How to be a commercial success as a membership organisation

Carol Jackson, Chief Operating Officer

24 February 2012

Founded in 1754

“The RSA is an enlightenment organisation committed to finding

innovative practical solutions to today’s social challenges. Through

its ideas, research and 27,000 strong fellowship it seeks to

understand and enhance human capability so we can close the gap

between today’s reality and people’s hopes for a better world.”

Share of Total Income

2010/11 2009/10 2008/9 2007/8 2006/70.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

Voluntary income mainly Fellowship

RSA House

Project Grants & Sponsorship

Other Income

Investment income

Other charitable activities

Lecture Donations & Sponsorship

Charitable Activities

Income and Surplus

2010/11 2009/10 2008/9 2007/8 2006/7

-2,000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Total Income

Surplus before investment gains or losses

£1,0

00s

The House

Trading structure

• Not primary purpose trading• Containment of risk• Trading company• Cross charges• Gift aid profits to the charity• Full VAT recovery

What do stakeholders think?

Customers

StaffFellows

Income from Trading

2010/11 2009/10 2008/9 2007/8 2006/70

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

£1,0

00s

Tips

• Be wholehearted• Research the market• Be clear on your trading usp• Keep trading separate• Watch the competition

Challenges

• What is stopping you trading?• Is there anything MemNet could do to help

you?• If you are trading, are you as good as the best

in your market?

Animate

Social Brain

Education

Connected Communities

Design

Projects