Members aren’t always anxious to give donations in addition to their annual dues.

By Abny Santicola

What’s more, not all of your members are just in it for the value. A certain segment is affluent people buying memberships because they love the zoo and its mission. Healey says these members often give more than the zoo’s maximum membership amount of $99 when they join or renew.

For organizations that offer the value membership, it’s important to recognize when members demonstrate philanthropic intent.