For membership-based nonprofits and associations, membership management software is essential. It handles member databases, renewal notifications, access to member-only content, and dues payment processing. This guide compares three leading platforms: Wild Apricot, MemberClicks, and JoinIt.
Key Features to Compare
- Member portal: Can members log in to view records and manage memberships?
- Dues billing: Automated renewal reminders and billing?
- Membership tiers: Support for multiple membership levels at different prices?
- Member communication: Email and news to members?
- Event management: Integrated event registration?
- Content access: Password-protected member-only content?
- Reporting: Member retention, renewal rates, lifetime value?
- Integrations: Accounting, CRM, email marketing?
Platform Comparison
| Feature | Wild Apricot | MemberClicks | JoinIt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Associations, complex memberships | Small to mid-size, ease of use | Modern, mobile-first membership |
| Starting Price | $99/month (up to 100 members) | Free to $299/month | $49/month |
| Per-Member Cost | $1-3 per member (at scale) | $0.50-2 per member | $0.25-1 per member |
| Member Portal | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Dues Billing | Automated, flexible | Automated, good | Automated, modern |
| Event Management | Built-in | Limited | Limited |
| Email/Newsletters | Built-in | Limited | Basic |
| Membership Tiers | Unlimited | Up to 6 | Flexible |
| Reporting | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Mobile App | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| CRM Integration | Limited | Some | Some |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Easy | Easy |
Platform Details
Wild Apricot
Best for: Associations and larger member organizations with complex membership needs.
Strengths: Most comprehensive membership platform; excellent event management integrated; unlimited membership tiers; strong reporting; email/newsletter tools; scales well to thousands of members.
Weaknesses: Higher cost; steeper learning curve; less modern UI than newer competitors.
Choose if: You have complex membership structure; you manage events; you need advanced reporting; you have 100+ members and expect growth.
MemberClicks
Best for: Small to mid-size organizations wanting simplicity and affordability.
Strengths: Very affordable; easy to learn and set up; good member portal; automated renewal billing; good support.
Weaknesses: Limited event management; fewer reporting features; less suitable for complex membership structures; smaller than Wild Apricot.
Choose if: You want affordability and simplicity; you have straightforward membership; you don't need event management; you have <300 members.
JoinIt
Best for: Modern, mobile-first membership management at lower cost.
Strengths: Modern interface; affordable; good mobile experience; good member portal; simple billing; growing platform.
Weaknesses: Smaller platform; fewer reporting features than Wild Apricot; limited event functionality; newer, so less mature than competitors.
Choose if: You want modern, mobile-friendly experience; you're cost-conscious; you're comfortable with newer platform; you have straightforward membership needs.
Real-World Examples
Professional association, 500 members: Wild Apricot. Complexity, events, reporting justify cost.
Community organization, 100 members: MemberClicks or JoinIt. Simpler needs, affordability important.
Growing nonprofit, 50 members, expecting growth: Wild Apricot. Better to choose for growth potential.
Implementation Checklist
- Data audit: How many members? What data do you track?
- Fee structure: What are your membership tiers and prices?
- Communications: How do you communicate with members?
- Events: Do you manage member events?
- Integration: What systems need to connect (accounting, email, etc.)?
- Training: Budget time to train staff and members on new system
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use a general CRM instead?
Possible, but membership management software handles renewal billing, member portals, and tiered access better. CRMs are more flexible but require customization. Purpose-built membership software is usually better for member-centric organizations.
How do we migrate from our current system?
Most platforms help with data import. Budget 1-2 weeks for data prep, import, and testing. Plan a soft launch with a subset of members before full launch.
What's the hardest part of implementation?
Getting members to use the member portal. Send frequent reminders, provide training, highlight portal value. Start with simple features (check membership status, update profile) before adding complexity.