Dues
It is recommended that all clubs charge dues, but the cost of membership is up to the discretion of the club officers. Dues, if charged, must be commensurate with the cost and benefits received by club members. Each club should analyze its programs and services and the associated expenses to develop a dues structure that best meets the club’s needs.
Many clubs implement a tiered dues structure. We recommend offering free membership to new alumni and a reduced rate for young alumni and renewing members. This has been successful for the majority of our clubs in attracting graduating alumni during this critical period for engagement. Patron/sponsor members may be charged a significantly higher rate to show an extra level of support for the club; specific benefits may be assigned to those who contribute at this leadership level.
Other ideas:
- Spousal membership option for couples who are both Wharton alumni - a member's spouse can sign up for the same membership level and the same membership period as their wife/husband for half the regular price.
- Offer membership level for Parents of current students
- Lifetime Membership (Highest membership level at a significant cost with additional benefits)
- Offer dual membership with corresponding Penn Club or another professional association (i.e. One-year membership in Penn Club of Metro NJ and Wharton Club of New Jersey)
- Friend of Wharton/Penn membership (If your Club is open to non-alumni, charge more for this group)
Example 1
Pay As You Go Model
Wharton Club Membership: Join and "pay as you go" for events. This membership allows you to purchase event tickets at the member price for you and any guests.
- Price: $50
Joseph Wharton Member: Admission prepaid to all Wharton events and priority for limited attendance events. Complimentary attendance to events hosted by other clubs.
- Price: $150
Benjamin Franklin Member: Two year membership with priority enrollment to all events. Complimentary attendance at events hosted by other clubs. Priority seating at dinner events. 1 Guest per event is included at no extra charge.
- Price: $1,000
Example 2
Basic Membership to All Alumni Followed by a Tiered Structure
Basic Membership: Automatic membership to all Wharton alumni living in the area. Provides access to club events and the private LinkedIn group and a subscription to the Club Magazine.
- Price: $0
Supporting Membership: All privileges of Basic Membership plus access to special contributor-only events, 50% discounts on event registrations, eligibility to participate on committees and in the club’s leadership, and access to special club members-only discounts.
- Price: $95/year
Silver Membership: All privileges of the Supporting Membership plus attend 3 events per year for free, participate in a Leads Council, and receive a free listing in every issue of the Club Magazine.
- Price: $500/year
Gold Membership: All privileges of the Silver Membership plus receive free event registration, invitations to special “Black Label” events, priority RSVP to all events, and an enhanced listing in every issue of the Club Magazine.
- Price: $1,000/year
Benefactor Membership: All privileges of the Gold Membership plus guaranteed admission to all club events, 1 free ticket to the Annual Gala.
- Price: $5,000/year
Example 3
Tiered Dues Structure for Wharton Only Clubs
One-Year General Membership: One year membership for Wharton alumni only. Provides access to the website and member-priced tickets to events.
- Price: $50
Two-Year General Membership: Two year membership for Wharton alumni only. Provides access to the website and member-priced tickets to events.
- Price: $90
Current Student and Recent Graduate: Current students of Wharton and those who graduated in the last two years will receive the same benefits as General Membership.
- Price: $0
Patron Level: Benefits of General Membership plus listing on site as Patron. Board Members are also required to join at this level.
- Price: $100
Supporter Level: Benefits of General Membership plus listing on site as Supporter.
- Price: $500
Joseph Wharton Level: Benefits of General Membership plus recognition as a Joseph Wharton level member, a link to company information on our website, and four free tickets to the Annual Holiday Party.
- Price: $1,000
Example 4
Tiered Dues Structure for Joint Penn & Wharton Clubs
Free Membership: For current Wharton and Penn students and recent graduates
- Price: $0
Regular Membership: All alumni of Wharton and Penn
- Price: $100
Discount Membership: Special discount for those who are unemployed, retired, not permanently residing in area, or second alumnus to pay dues in a Wharton couple
- Price: $50
Special Contribution - Bronze Member: Special way to help our club maintain its standard of excellence.
- Price: $200
Special Contribution - Silver Member: Special way to help our club maintain its standard of excellence. Includes free access to the Annual Gala and all Executive Dinners.
- Price: $300
Special Contribution - Gold Member: Special way to help our club maintain its standard of excellence. Includes free access to all events.
- Price: $500