Case Study:

Developing a Membership Plan and Dues Structure to Ensure NAQC’s Long-Term Viability

In 2007, the North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) sought McKinley’s expertise in building a membership model and dues structure that would create a sustainable organization, establish diverse revenue streams and provide a simple and efficient way for members to join.

To better understand the member experience, McKinley conducted comprehensive research, including two focus groups and member, volunteer and staff interviews. McKinley used this information along with its analysis of NAQC’s current membership roster to devise membership categories that aligned with key stakeholder groups. McKinley then conducted a rigorous dues modeling exercise with the goal of meeting both NAQC’s operational goals and its desire to have a simple, easily managed dues structure. The new membership plan was approved in 2008 and communicated soon thereafter to members.

Today, the dues structure provides NAQC’s key audiences with an opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of the organization and to benefit from key benefits and services.