The chainsaw bite of federal layoffs, firings, cutbacks, policy reversals and funding cancellations is already being felt by the nation’s associations.
The majority of respondents to a new pulse survey conducted by the American Society for Association Excellence (ASAE) reported negative impacts like reduced funding, decreased conference attendance, and complications surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
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The survey reveals that “many associations are experiencing financial strain, operational disruptions and strategic uncertainties in the current political and regulatory environment. These findings highlight the complex and evolving landscape that associations must navigate as they continue to serve their industries and professions,” according to an ASAE press release.
ASAE broke down the key findings.
- Financial and operational impact: Many associations are suffering financial strain due to changes in federal grants and contracts, especially those hit by funding freezes or losses. Organizations in sectors such as health care, education, environmental and energy, and manufacturing have been particularly affected in areas like research and scientific funding.
- Conference and event challenges: A significant portion of associations report declines in conference attendance, particularly among federal employees. Loss of federal speakers and exhibitors has further impacted events, along with a noticeable decline in membership renewals and engagement.
- Regulatory and policy uncertainty: Association leaders are finding it difficult to work with federal agencies, citing staffing cuts and challenges in securing meetings with government officials. Many are dedicating more time to member support, guidance and strategic planning to navigate this uncertain environment.
The survey was distributed to approximately 3,200 CEOs of small, medium and large associations across diverse industries and professions, with a total of 319 responses analyzed. ASAE noted some respondents reported neutral or even positive effects, underscoring the varied nature of the association sector.
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“As associations navigate a shifting policy and funding landscape, the need for timely, actionable insights has never been greater,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “We recognize that many associations are not directly impacted because they do not rely on federal funding. However, the survey findings reflect a broader spillover effect, as policy changes ripple across the association community, affecting operations, conferences, and member engagement.”
