National Club Association Foundation

Club leaders know that traditions and heritage are an important part of the private club environment. Yet we are often called upon to adapt those traditions to the rapidly changing world around us. The NCA Foundation recognizes that a variety of influences can affect the future of private clubs. That is why we are continually working to develop resources that will help clubs be better prepared for the future.

At the core of the Foundation’s work is a diverse offering of research projects, publications and educational opportunities to help clubs. 

In 2009, the Foundation completed its first matching grant campaign which raised over $50,000 to support the development of two new NCA resources:

• The Legal Reference Guide for Private Clubs, a “must have” resource on legal issues confronting clubs, helps you be proactive in managing exposures. Released in early 2010, the book contains sample checklists and policies, as well as steps to take should a legal challenge arise.

Other projects funded in the past through NCA Foundation support include:

• Research on the Future of Private Golf Clubs, through which an NCA Foundation grant was awarded to disseminate the National Golf Foundation’s research Study, The Future of Private Golf Clubs in America – A Strategic Perspective to all golf clubs in the United States.

• Research for Development of Publications:  Foundation support has helped to produce publications such as Club Governance Guidelines: A Path to Organizational Excellence and Private Club Facility Access Issues.

Current NCA Foundation Projects:

• Ongoing Trends Research:  The NCA Foundation supports annual trends evaluations that update clubs on current challenges and opportunities, as well as development of the annual Future Trends & Issues: A Private Club Perspective, with in-depth analysis of trends in demographics, economics, workforce and lifestyle issues affecting clubs. The 2010 report was sent to all NCA members in the summer of 2010.

• The National Club Conference addresses key legislative, regulatory and operational issues for clubs. The Foundation has been a sponsor of the conference in each of the past five years and plans to do so again in 2011. 

• Educational Content for NCA Website:   NCA Foundation funding supported the addition of new educational content for the NCA website, to enable NCA to expand the array of valuable information in the NCA knowledge center and enhance the ability to share documents such as model policies. 

• Support for development of a series of webinars, to allow club managers to access timely, relevant information on topics affecting clubs, from the convenience of their office. Thanks to the Foundation’s support, NCA hosted its first webinar in September, 2010.

• The Impact of Technology for Private Clubs, a joint Foundation study with the Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals that will assess technology trends affecting clubs and develop long-term solutions.