Today's DAR
Inflation is running at levels last seen over 40 years ago. We have all experienced increasing prices firsthand when we shop at the grocery store, pay our utility bills, pay the rent, or buy clothes. High inflation is also significantly affecting the financial situation of the National Society.
The National Society is facing higher costs in every expense category, such as employee compensation, repairs and maintenance, utilities, postage, and insurance. The tight labor market in Washington, D.C., where our national headquarters is located, continues to require NSDAR to increase salaries to attract talent and to retain valued staff. As contracts come up for renewal, NSDAR is negotiating with existing vendors to keep costs contained or shifting to new lower priced providers. Nonetheless, upward pressure on total expenses remains. Revenue without donor restriction, such as dues and donations to the general fund, barely covered unrestricted expenses in 2022.
With unrestricted expenses expected to outstrip unrestricted revenue going forward, the National Society has taken steps to better align fees with expenses in two areas: the magazine and applications. Higher printing and postage costs have pushed the break-even, per-issue price for the American Spirit magazine and accompanying Daughters Newsletter well above the $18 rate that has been in effect since October 2011. As result, the one-year subscription rate is now $24 and a fee for “with the chapters” and “with the states” submissions has been instituted. For applications, whether new member or supplemental, the cost of verifying an application was $132 in 2022, substantially above the current fee of $75, which was established in July 2003. By 2025, the cost to verify an application is expected to reach $169. In response, the National Board of Management has recommended a phased increase in the application fee to $100 on August 1; $125 on January 1, 2024; and $150 on January 1, 2025. This proposal requires the approval of the 132nd Continental Congress to become effective. For more information, please review this members’ announcement and this webpage of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
The National Society is keenly aware that inflation is harming every member’s personal finances. This knowledge made the decisions to increase the magazine subscription rate and to bring forward the proposed increase in the application fee very difficult. But the National Board of Management has a fiduciary responsibility to take actions to keep the National Society financially sound. Maintaining financial stability is essential for NSDAR to continue its important work of promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
