Frequently Asked Questions
Selecting an AMC for your association is an important decision, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the best fit for your needs. Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about working with us. We hope these will be helpful to you!
Do you have a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch!
Q: How will my association maintain its identity if we move to the SBI office?
A: Volunteer leaders may fear that their organization identity will become lost within the SBI staff structure — that no one will be responsible for their needs. SBI uses a team approach to client management: there is always one, and often several, individuals who are intimately familiar with the association’s members, programs, and culture.
We understand that your success and ours are ultimately the same, and partner with you to provide custom services that will not compromise your identity. We take pride in each of our clients and their mission to serve.
Q: How can SBI be dedicated to more than one client?
A: Like lawyers and accountants, association managers attend to the affairs of each of their clients with the same care and attention to detail.
SBI strives to build strong and lasting partnerships with our clients and provide exceptional quality in all work performed in support of our clients goals and objectives. Yet, we don’t do it alone; in order to properly deliver quality results, we rely on client boards of directors, committees, and volunteers to openly collaborate with SBI staff.
Q: What are the staffing advantages of working with SBI?
A: A significant benefit to working with SBI staff is access to the vast knowledge and expertise we have gained working with a variety of nonprofits, along with the flexibility to provide customized support and appropriate staffing to fit your association’s needs.
Associations tend to experience busy and slow seasons and struggle to support a year-round, full-time staff. SBI shares resources to alleviate this struggle, acting as your full-time staff to navigate the peaks and valleys of traditional staffing structures. This shared-resources concept allows our clients to realize savings in computers and other office equipment, office space rental, insurance, and a host of other expenses that go into maintaining an office.
Not only do we free your board of directors and volunteers to focus on your mission and providing valuable benefits to your members, but we also manage the responsibility, liability, and overhead associated with running a stand-alone office and staff.
Q: Why does SBI request past and current financial information when responding to a request for proposal?
A: Financial statements are necessary because they provide information about the extent and breadth of the association’s activities, giving us a truer picture of your association and needs. With this information, we are able to develop an individualized scope of services that truly fits your needs.
Q: How does SBI charge for services?
A: Our clients pay us on a fee-for-service basis. This is a monthly retainer paid to us based on the scope of services contract that we work together to develop. We like this way of working together because it encourages our clients to call whenever they have a question or need.
If a client wishes to alter their scope of services by adding an event or new project, SBI has the flexibility to change and adapt as you do.
Q: Can we terminate our agreement if we want to?
A: Our agreements have a 60- or 90-day termination policy. If you wish to take your business elsewhere, we will complete a thorough, meticulous transition to another professional of your choice. Your mail will be forwarded and all electronic and physical property will be returned. Like an attorney or accountant, we will maintain the confidentiality and integrity of our relationship through closure and beyond.
We realize this is a big decision for your organization. Before you make this commitment, we encourage you to speak with our references and compare us to our competitors.
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an Association Management Company (AMC)?
What are the benefits of working with an AMC?
