Membership Dues Change Frequently Asked Questions

Proposed Dues Change & Rationale

The AAUW Board of Directors will consider an increase in AAUW individual member dues at their upcoming February 2025 meeting. The proposed increase is $5 each year for the next 5 years, starting April 1, 2025.

The individual member dues rate is currently $72. The proposed annual increase of $5 would mean the following annual dues rates over the next 5 years:

Dues cover about 15% of AAUW’s budget and do not cover the cost of member support. Consistently raising dues will cover more costs of member support and help offset increases in costs due to inflation. AAUW’s costs rise each year, yet dues do not automatically increase without the board’s directive. In keeping with AAUW’s commitment to financial sustainability and the financial health of the national office, regular dues increases are necessary.

AAUW did not increase dues in FY 2025 and the board is now considering a 5-year plan to increase individual member dues at $5 annually.

AAUW members are welcome to provide feedback to the board. Please submit your comments by Wednesday, January 29 at 5:00 pm ET.

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FAQ

1. Why is AAUW increasing dues right now?

Costs for AAUW national rise each year, yet dues do not increase annually to help keep pace. Dues cover about 15% of the annual budget and do not cover the total costs of services for AAUW members. Dues increases are necessary to keep AAUW financially healthy.

2. Why is the board considering raising dues for multiple years?

AAUW’s costs rise every year. We understand the challenges that rising dues have for branches and that a lot of planning goes into the annual dues collection process. We recognize the need for more regular dues increases and to give our branches and states enough time to plan effectively.

3. When will the increase go into effect?

If approved, the first increase will be effective April 1, 2025. Dues will also increase by $5 April 1, 2026, April 1, 2027, April 1, 2028 and April 1, 2029.

4. Will national offer any programs to help lower income members cover the increase?

No, unfortunately we cannot offer any discounts at this time. Branches and states are welcome to fundraise or use part of their state/branch dues to help cover national membership for those in need.

5. Are student associate dues increasing?

The board is not considering a change dues for Student Associates at this time.

6. Are College/University (C/U) dues increasing?

The board is not considering a change in C/U dues at this time.

7. What does the increase mean for lifetime dues?

Current lifetime members will not be charged more dues. Members who choose to become paid lifetime members after April 1, 2025 will be charged 20 times the new dues rate (for a total of $1,540), per the dues rate required for lifetime members by the AAUW bylaws.

8. Will membership dues be tax deductible?

Yes! AAUW dues are entirely tax deductible.

9. I don’t understand the email I received – is the going to be a dues change or not?

Per the AAUW bylaws, AAUW membership must be notified 30 days before the board votes on a dues change. The email you received was the required notification to membership. This bylaws provision exists to allow members time to weigh in on a dues change before the vote happens (please submit any comments for the board via this link by Wednesday, January 29).

10. Could the board choose not to change dues?

Yes, as the vote hasn’t been held yet. The board could choose not to change dues at this time.

11. When will the changes go into effect?

Any changes approved by the Board of Directors would be effective April 1, 2025.

12. When will I know what the changes will be?

AAUW will update this page with results from the board’s vote and will communicate the change to member leaders.

13. How can I make my opinion on this known to the board?

Please submit your comments via this link. Your feedback will be shared with the Board of Directors prior to the vote.