Choosing the best CRM software isn’t just about the number of features; it’s about how well it performs to your organization’s needs.
At its core, the best CRM software for associations is the one that provides features such as:
- Membership management: Track and manage members and renewals in one place.
- Event management: Organize events and handle registrations effortlessly.
- Automated workflows: Reduce manual tasks with automated approvals, renewals, and reminders.
- Engagement tracking: Monitor interactions, event participation, and email activity.
- Communication tools: Send email campaigns and newsletters to members.
- Reporting and analytics: Gain insights into membership trends, retention, financial performance, and engagement.
- Payment processing: Accept payments for dues, events, sponsorships, and donations with multiple options.
- Integrations: Connect with accounting software, email marketing tools, and event platforms.
- Customizable dashboards: View and analyze real-time data for better decision-making.
Most CRMs offer similar features, but the difference lies in depth, usability, and overall performance. Some CRMs provide more advanced tools, while others focus on ease of use.
This is why we analyze and review the top five CRMs, starting with Glue Up, so that you can make an informed decision backed by real insights and knowledge.
1. Glue Up – Best for All-In-One Association Management
We know that choosing the right CRM can be challenging. That’s why we’re not just making claims; we have a 4.6 out of 5-star rating and 250+ reviews to back it up.
Glue Up isn’t just another CRM; it’s designed specifically for associations, chambers, and professional communities that need more than just a database. It’s your all-in-one solution for managing members and streamlining operations.
Centralized Membership Management
Managing an association means keeping track of members, events, and communications all at once. Glue Up centralizes all your data in one place, so you never have to dig through scattered spreadsheets or multiple systems. Get real-time insights into your community, track engagement, and use that data to improve your outreach.
Member Journey Tracking
Understanding your members isn’t just about tracking names and emails. Glue Up lets you see every member's full journey, from first interaction to renewals and beyond. You’ll know who’s attending events, responding to emails, interacting with content, and contributing to your organization.
Contact And Opportunity Management
Juggling multiple platforms is exhausting. Glue Up brings everything together—contacts, opportunities, reports, and engagement tools—into one easy-to-use dashboard. No more switching between apps or struggling with disconnected systems.
Reporting And Analytics
Your association deserves more than guesswork. Glue Up gives you interactive dashboards and real-time reporting so you can see what’s working and what’s not. Whether it’s tracking event success, membership growth, or financial trends, you’ll always have the insights needed to make informed decisions.
Data Security And Compliance
Data breaches increased by 70% in 2024 compared to 2021, which is why we take security seriously. While you focus on running your association, we guarantee that your data is protected at all times with enterprise-grade security and encryption.
Membership Renewal And Sales Automation
Stop chasing down renewals manually. Glue Up automates membership renewals, reminders, payments, and approvals, keeping retention rates high without extra effort. For associations that handle sponsorships or other revenue streams, the sales pipeline feature helps you track and manage opportunities efficiently.
Email Marketing And Communication
Glue Up isn’t just a CRM—it’s also your communication hub. Sync your Outlook emails and keep every member's conversation organized in one place. Use email marketing tools to send newsletters, event invites, and important updates that reach the right people at the right time.
Revenue Forecasting
Predicting revenue doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Glue Up’s forecasting tools give you a real-time view of your membership, event, and sponsorship income. Use automated calculations and confidence scores to plan your budget and improve financial decision-making.
Workflow And Process Automation
Whether you manage hundreds or thousands of members, Glue Up scales with you. Features like multiple opportunity boards, list segmentation, customizable dashboards, and workflow automation confirm that you can adapt, grow, and improve efficiency.
We built Glue Up to help associations work smarter, not harder. With features designed to simplify processes and improve engagement, it’s more than just a CRM—it’s the backbone of a thriving organization.
How Clients Succeed With Glue Up
With our CRM solutions, we have helped organizations improve operations. Clients have experienced increased productivity after switching to Glue Up. Explore our client success stories to see how they transformed their workflows with an all-in-one, user-friendly CRM built for associations and member-based organizations.
1. ABQV was managing its needs with multiple resources but sought a structured CRM to enhance daily operations, support members, organize events, implement a marketing plan, improve digital communication, and manage leads efficiently. After evaluating alternatives, ABQV chose Glue Up. ABQV immediately saw better integration of leads, members, events, and financial data, which led to improved performance. After a year, the ease of use, usability, and automation provided by Glue Up have streamlined ABQV’s processes.
2. FEDC needed a CRM, a new website, and a merchant services platform to handle its initial funding and ongoing activities. After evaluating various options, FEDC selected Glue Up for its comprehensive, all-in-one capabilities. The decision was critical, as the organization had previously relied on multiple providers for CRM, event management, and website administration. Glue Up eliminated the need for fragmented solutions by offering a single platform that integrated website content management, event organization, and communication strategies. This transition allowed FEDC to operate more efficiently and focus on its mission.
How to Get Started With Glue Up
Switching to Glue Up is simple. Our dedicated support team will guide you through every step. We offer a free demo to understand your needs and set up Glue Up CRM accordingly.
Migration happens in phases, with priority data moved first, followed by scheduled transfers. Once set up, we assist with integrations, user setup, and team training for smooth adoption.
Our customizable onboarding and support give you the flexibility to choose the level of guidance you need. Whether you prefer hands-on assistance or occasional check-ins, we’re here to help.
Book a free demo to see why organizations trust Glue Up CRM to simplify their workflows.
Beyond Glue Up: Other CRM Alternatives
Glue Up is one of the best CRMs for associations, but there are other solutions you might want to explore. Every organization has different needs, so it’s worth looking at what other options are available. Now, take a look at some alternative CRMs and what they offer.
1. WildApricot
Many associations rely on WildApricot to manage their members efficiently. It offers a drag-and-drop website builder, a built-in emailing system, a mobile app, a member directory, and a members-only area. Automated membership payments and renewals make it easy to keep track of subscriptions without manual effort.
WildApricot’s open API allows customization to fit specific needs. It integrates with WordPress and QuickBooks. The platform also includes an online store, making it easy for organizations to sell merchandise or additional offerings.
Its user-friendly interface, customization options, and strong feature set make WildApricot an excellent choice for small membership organizations looking for an affordable yet powerful CRM.
2. Neon CRM
Nonprofits rely on Neon CRM to manage donors, members, fundraising, and events in one platform. The system simplifies donor tracking through a centralized database, custom fields, and built-in reporting tools.
Membership organizations can track tiers, upgrades, dues, and renewals, while automated email and text communication helps improve engagement. Event and volunteer management features allow nonprofits to plan and coordinate participation seamlessly.
Automation tools, secure payment processing, and other integrations make Neon CRM a strong option for nonprofits looking to streamline operations.
3. MemberClicks
MemberClicks is designed for organizations that need an easy-to-use CRM without the complexity of larger systems. It streamlines membership management, reporting, and automation, making it a practical choice for associations looking to save time.
Customizable member profiles allow organizations to store key data, track engagement and set up project templates for follow-ups. Automated invoices and dues reminders simplify membership renewals, while sales management tools help identify prospects and personalize communication.
MemberClicks is a good option for associations that want a user-friendly CRM with automation tools to manage memberships, events, and communications efficiently.
4. GrowthZone
GrowthZone helps associations streamline operations and grow membership with tools for contact management, event planning, billing, and marketing automation.
The platform offers a mobile staff app for real-time access to member data, event registrations, and payments. A dedicated member app keeps members engaged.
Built-in event management, automated email campaigns, and integrated billing simplify daily tasks. Custom dashboards and reporting provide insights, making GrowthZone a strong choice for associations focused on efficiency and growth.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
1. What is an association CRM, and how is it different from a regular CRM?
An association CRM is designed specifically for membership-based organizations. Unlike standard CRMs that focus on sales and lead tracking, association CRMs manage memberships, renewals, events, engagement tracking, and communication in one platform.
2. How do I choose the best CRM for my association?
The best CRM depends on your organization’s size, budget, and needs. Look for features like membership management, event automation, reporting, integrations, and ease of use. Reviewing customer feedback and requesting a demo can also help in decision-making.
3. What are the key benefits of using an association CRM?
An association CRM helps automate renewals, track member engagement, streamline communication, manage events, and generate reports, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.
4. Can I integrate an association CRM with other software?
Most association CRMs integrate with email marketing tools, accounting software, payment processors, and event platforms. Common integrations include QuickBooks, Outlook, Zoom, and WordPress.
5. How much does an association CRM cost?
Pricing varies based on features and the number of users or members. Some CRMs offer subscription-based pricing, while others charge per user or membership tier. Many vendors provide customized pricing based on organizational needs.
How to Pick the Perfect CRM for Your Needs
Choosing the best CRM doesn’t need to be overwhelming. You can compare options by examining the available features, reading customer support reviews, and gauging each software’s overall ease of use.
Evaluating these factors helps you find a solution that fits your organization's workflows and is easy to set up and adopt.
We’ve built Glue Up to work for all types of associations, with features such as:
- Centralized member management and engagement tracking
- Automated renewals and invoicing
- Intuitive event management with built-in registration and payment tools
- Customizable reports and analytics for data-driven decisions
- Marketing automation for targeted communication
- Seamless integrations with third-party software
- Mobile apps for both staff and members
- Secure payment processing with multiple options
Glue Up’s flexibility and scalability make it a great fit for small associations, large organizations, and everything in between. Our team is here to help you find the right CRM for your needs and ensure a smooth setup.
Book a demo and see how Glue Up can support your organization’s growth.
