Membership associations are a cornerstone of American society and culture. They play a vital role in helping professionals network, allowing people to share their knowledge, and simply as a way to connect with others with similar interests, backgrounds, and hobbies. A membership association website is typically a place where members can get information, access benefits, and communicate with fellow members. 

A good membership organization website should contain certain key features, including information about membership and benefits, events, a members-only portal, and an opportunity for online networking. Ideally, these sites should also be accessible and mobile-friendly so that all current and prospective members can utilize them. If you are looking to create or redesign your own membership association website, our list of the best 15 membership organization sites is a great place to get inspiration. 

Inclind works with all kinds of businesses and nonprofits, including membership organizations, as they design and develop smart, effective websites. We offer a full host of website design and development services, including custom integrations, accessibility audits, website migrations, and more. If you want help making your membership organization website shine, reach out today to schedule a consultation with a member of our award-winning website design and development team. 

What Should Your Membership Association Website Include? 

A membership organization includes any type of business, social, or professional organization where people join (usually for a fee) and are able to access benefits. Alumni associations are an excellent example of a membership organization - an organized group of people with something in common who come together online and in person to share their interests. An alumni association might offer benefits like members-only social events, job boards, or professional networking opportunities. 

While each membership association website is unique, most contain several important features designed to make it as easy as possible for members to get the information they need. After all, members are typically paying to belong to the organization, so it only makes sense that the website is easy to use. These features may include: 

• Relevant content, such as important news, event announcements, and research papers 
• Information about membership and benefits 
• Details about upcoming events, webinars, conferences, and workshops 
• A members-only portal where members can log in and get access to benefits like educational resources or special discounts based on their membership 
• An online community, which may include discussion boards, forums, or other types of chat 
• Information on opportunities for professional development and support, which may include a job board 
• Resources and publications, including best practices, publications, whitepapers, industry reports, and guidelines 
• Information on advocacy work and initiatives that the organization is undertaking 
• Contact information for the organization itself. 

In addition to these features, a membership organization should be easy to navigate and accessible to all users. It should also be optimized for mobile, given the high percentage of people who primarily access websites using smartphones and tablets. 

The 15 Top Association Website Designs 

There are lots of membership associations out there - and some have less-than-stellar websites. Below, we have put together a list of 15 of the best association website designs that you can use for ideas as you design or redesign your own website. 

National Education Association 

The National Education Association (NEA) is a professional organization for American educators. Its website makes its purpose clear, with a large banner over a picture stating that its goal is to ensure the success of every student and educator. On the left side of the screen, the NEA offers a list of options for getting involved - a change from the standard menu at the top of the screen. 

The most important menu items, such as joining, advocacy, and teacher rights, are highlighted in blue. There is also a prominent search function and a button to “take action” that leads to current initiatives. 

The Payments Association EU 

The Payments Association EU gets right to the point: directly on the landing page, there is an option to learn more about the organization and an option to join. This association includes members involved in the payments industry within the European Union. 

The website features multiple drop-down menus across the top to make it easy to find what you want - member log-in, events, projects, resources, and info on Pay360. There is also a prominent search bar at the very top of the screen, so whatever can’t be found in a drop-down menu can be easily located. 

American Clean Power Association 

The American Clean Power Association is a group for “clean” energy providers in the United States. Its website has two purposes - educating the public and providing information and resources for its menu. A scrolling video highlights sources of clean power in the U.S. and a bold headline explaining what the organization does. 

Along the top, there is a news alert for the latest information. Individuals can join the organization or sign in if they are already members. In addition, there are clear menu options for facts, policy, and industry services. 

National Association for Catering & Events 

The National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) is an organization for professional caterers and event planners. Its website makes good use of high-contrast colors, including white, yellow, black, and blue, which helps to make it more accessible. A scrolling gallery provides the latest news and events, including membership deals, the availability of a new app, and certification opportunities. 

The American Association for State and Local History 

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) is a historical organization that is devoted to preserving U.S. history on a more local level. Its website features a bold, spare design without a lot of clutter. A menu bar across the top offers links to popular choices like conferences, events, and publications, while a scrolling gallery provides the latest news and information. 

NFL Players’ Association 

The NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) is a union for professional football players. Its website features a large picture of members that serves to highlight its current news (the election ofa new board). Up top, visitors can either sign in or continue to view the website as a guest. A pop-up menu offers information for different interested parties - such as agents and financial advisors - as well as details on the players’ collective bargaining agreement. The minimalist design works well to provide information to the public while maintaining a more private member area. 

The National Star Route Mail Contractors Association 

The National Star Route Mail Contractors Association (NSRMCA) advocates for companies contracting with the United States Postal Service. Its website offers plentiful information about mail transportation in the United States. It also provides a valuable resource to members - information about the bidding process, contracts, and day-to-day operations. 

This more specialized organization offers a simple, well-designed website. It features the latest news that NSRMCA members might need to know directly below the main graphic. Up top, drop-downmenus offer other pertinent info - such as whether they are eligible for membership and how they can partner with the association. 

Endeavor Global 

Endeavor Global is an association of “high-impact entrepreneurs.” The purpose of the organization is to help entrepreneurs connect - and then pay it forward with fellow entrepreneurs. The website features information about what the group is and why they do what they do. While there isn’t a bold call to action (such as “JOIN NOW”), its content invites browsers to click and learn more to determine if applying is the right option for them. 

Association of Fundraising Professionals - Golden Gate 

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Golden Gate Chapter has a goal of changing the world through generosity and positive social impact. Its website reflects that reality with an incredibly welcome presence. 

Visitors can learn about the chapter and membership benefits front and center on the landing page. A menu bar above the gallery picture has drop-down options for oft-used features like events and resources, while a search bar features prominently at the very top. Members can also easily donate, log in to their account, or join (register) the association. 

United Spinal Association 

The United Spinal Association is an advocacy organization devoted to empowering people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Membership is free and gives members access to resources and support. 

Because this organization is a nonprofit, there are multiple places to give on the website - including bold buttons with hearts at the top, bottom, and left of the screen. The organization’s use of bold colors makes the website both easy to read and accessible. 

International Maritime Pilots Association 

The International Maritime Pilots Association isn’t just a place for pilots to chat. Its mission is focused on safe piloting - especially in often treacherous maritime conditions. The website uses striking videos to highlight its work, with options to log in or join the organization directly on top. The website has plenty of resources, including policies and publications, information on how to become a pilot, and topics of interest. There is also a particular members-only area where pilots can get more in-depth information. 

The United States Chamber of Commerce 

The United States Chamber of Commerce is a nationwide organization that is dedicated to promoting business interests. Its website uses a simple, effective color scheme and a single picture to highlight its core principle - that American businesses make this country run. Along the top of the screen, there is an option to “stand up for free enterprise” by joining or to learn more about the organization and its work. This minimal website is highly effective, taking away visual clutter to achieve its goal. 

The Oregon Education Association 

The Oregon Education Association (OEA) is a chapter of the National Education Association. Like the NEA, it features a mission statement front and center. It also has similar options on a left-side menu. However, what makes the OEA stand out is its use of local information to pique interest - like pictures from a local event, and links directly to issues that matter most to Oregon educators. 

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants 

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, or AICPA, is an organization that consists of both American CPAs and CPAs from around the globe. Its website reflects that reality, with the ability to change the currency shown on the site right at the top of the screen. Members can also easily navigate to their local chapter using a drop-down menu. 

As a professional organization, the AICPA prioritizes education, with a recent report highlighted on the home page. Several menu tabs are dedicated to resources, credentials, and learning. The AICPA site also offers different locations for joining or signing into a membership account. 

League of American Orchestras 

The League of American Orchestras is exactly what it sounds like - an organization dedicated to promoting orchestras in the United States. Above a scrolling graphic with news and information, there are multiple drop-down menus that offer invaluable information, ways to connect, and opportunities to advocate for orchestras. There is also a prominent donating button and a button to easily join the league. 

Get Help with Your Membership Association Site from Inclind 

Membership associations range from large, multi-million dollar outfits like the NFLPA to relatively small groups. No matter the size of your organization, you can still have a great website that not only engages current members but also helps to increase your association’s membership. Making information readily available and easy to access is a great place to start. 

Inclind works with membership organizations, nonprofits, and other organizations to help them build beautiful, functional websites. Our design and development team offers a full suite of website design and development services, including website design and development, website redesign, website support and maintenance, and custom integrations. We work on a variety of CMS platforms, including WordPress, Drupal, and Adobe Experience Manager. With specific experience with membership associations, we can help you understand what your website should include and the best way to achieve your goals as an organization. 

We are always here to chat with you if you'd like to learn more about our web design, development, and support services. Fill out our online contact form to talk to one of our team members about your membership association website.