Many associations said they are struggling with financial pressures, disruptions in operations and making strategic plans in today’s political and regulatory environment.

According to a recent pulse survey conducted by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) called Insight Update: Impact of Federal Policy Changes on Associations, associations are challenged to adapt to the complex and changing political and regulatory environment they now are working within.

Of course, the nature and severity of the challenges depends on the professions and industries an association serves, though most shared having experienced reduced funding, decreased conference attendance, and difficulties with complex issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Financial and operational impact. Like universities, research hospitals and for-profit scientific organizations, many associations have experienced funding freezes or loss of federal grants and contracts as the Trump administration and its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has slashed budgets throughout numerous government agencies and put a pause on grants for projects it has identified as not adhering to its agenda. Research and scientific funding cuts have been particularly impactful for associations serving the healthcare, education, environmental and energy, and manufacturing sectors.

Attendance taking a hit. Like all organizations that depend on federal employees to attend and speak at their meetings and conferences, a significant portion of associations reported they have seen declines in conference attendance, along with noticeable declines in membership renewals and engagement. The loss of federal speakers and exhibitors also has had a negative impact on their conferences and conventions, many reported.

Uncertainty about the future. Association leaders said that staffing cuts have made it difficult for their members to work with federal agencies, including being able to schedule meetings with federal government officials. To help members better navigate the uncertainty, many said they were dedicating more resources to member support, guidance and strategic planning.

Of course, not all associations rely on federal funding, or attendance by or speaking arrangements with federal employees. However, said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, “As associations navigate a shifting policy and funding landscape, the need for timely, actionable insights has never been greater…the survey findings reflect a broader spillover effect, as policy changes ripple across the association community, affecting operations, conferences and member engagement. Our goal is to equip association leaders with the data and resources necessary to make informed decisions, advocate effectively, and continue advancing their missions.”

To cope with the changing environment, associations said in the survey that they are actively reassessing their strategies, exploring alternative funding sources and leveraging peer networks for shared learning and support.

The survey, sent out in March to approximately 3,200 CEOs of small, medium and large associations across the spectrum of industries and professions, was the first in a series ASAE is conducting as part of its Insight-as-a-Service initiative. The initiative is designed to give associations the data and nonpartisan insights they need on a real-time basis to manage their associations and develop new strategic plans.