Welcome, NCA members.

We are committed to financial transparency and to keeping you informed about how your membership dues support the work of the Association. This page provides insight into how financial decisions are made and how we manage our resources to support NCA’s mission. 

The Finance Committee (FC) meets at least four times each year to review and discuss key financial matters. During these meetings, the Executive Director (ED) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) share updates on revenue trends, organizational expenses, and NCA’s investment portfolio performance. 

Annual Budget Timeline

  • Each June, the ED and CFO, in collaboration with National Office staff, begin drafting a proposed budget for the upcoming calendar year.
  • This draft is presented to the Finance Committee in late July or early August.
  • At that meeting, the committee works with the ED and CFO to finalize the budget, which is then submitted to the Executive Committee (EC) for endorsement at its August meeting. 
  • Following EC endorsement, the proposed budget is sent to the Legislative Assembly (LA) for approval.
  • When in session, the LA serves as NCA’s fiduciary body and holds the authority to approve the annual budget.

How does NCA maintain financial sustainability?

  • Diversifying revenue sources (e.g., membership dues, annual convention and events, publications, and donations). 
  • Maintaining operating reserves to support unforeseen financial needs. 
  • Carefully monitoring our spending against approved budgets. 
  • Regularly evaluating our financial health with the Finance Committee, Executive Committee, and Legislative Assembly.
  • Completing an annual financial audit 
  • Email finance@natcom.org with any questions.  

Financial Reports & Statements

 

Convention Revenue

How We Use Our Funds

NCA Revenue Sources

NCA Expense Allocation

Financial Policies & Governance

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

FAQs

Membership Dues and Payments 

Your membership dues help fund a variety of important programs and services, including: 

  • Educational initiatives and professional development (e.g., NCA’s Annual Convention, virtual learning opportunities, public programs, and online resources). 
  • Research, Pedagogy, and Advancing the Discipline Grants to support member-driven scholarship, teaching, and the field of Communication. 
  • NCA Journals. In partnership with Routledge/Taylor & Francis, NCA publishes 12 academic journals that provide the latest research in the discipline and showcase diverse perspectives on various scholarly topics.  
  • Advocacy efforts (COSSA and NHA) aimed at advancing the interests of educators in communication studies. 
  • Interest Group budgets. Funds are typically used for award plaques and checks, supplies, and refreshments at business meetings during the Annual Convention. Division and Section funds are distributed by membership size. Caucuses receive a fixed amount.  
  • National office resources for members including Spectra, Inside & Out, COMMNotes, Communication Currents, Communication Matters Podcast.
  • Technology and platform services that support member engagement (e.g., website development and maintenance, member database, COMMNotes listserv) 
  • General operating costs that keep the association running (e.g., staff salary and benefits, national office building maintenance, office supplies) 
  • A general breakdown of dues allocation can be found in the How We Use our Funds section above. 

Dues are based on income tiers, student status, and membership categories approved by the Legislative Assembly. Major factors that go into determining membership dues include: inflation, cost of living for staff, and current strategic plan initiatives.

NCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A portion of your dues may be tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor.

Per NCA policy, membership dues may be refunded up to five days after purchase. No refund is given after that time. 

Convention and Events

Registration includes access to educational sessions, keynotes, and general networking events. Additional fees may apply for preconferences, short courses, or special activities.

No refunds are available after a certain date, usually in October. Please review the convention FAQ page for more information. 

NCA accepts payments via check and credit card. NCA does not process purchase orders. Contact memberservice@natcom.org to coordinate institution/department payments.

Grants, Awards, and Funding Opportunities 

NCA provides research and pedagogy grants for early-career scholars and underrepresented groups. For more information on grant opportunities, please visit our Grants webpage. 

Funds are typically disbursed after award confirmation and completion of any required paperwork. Details vary by grant. Visit our grants webpage for more information. 

Yes. NCA has over 30 national awards and annually recognizes excellence in communication through achievement in teaching, scholarship, research, IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access), professional service, and lifetime career accomplishment. View previous award winners.  

NCA has close to 70 Interest Groups, which combined confer roughly 200 awards annually. 

NCA provides a membership discount through our Bulk Student Membership program offered to departments, a discounted rate to the Annual Convention, volunteer opportunities during the Annual Convention to cover the cost of registration, food vouchers for student volunteers at the Annual Convention, discounted room rates (limited space), and Student Caucus Travel Grants. 

Sponsorships and Donations 

Yes. Contributions support student programs, IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) initiatives, endowed awards, Strategic Plan initiatives, and general operating expenses. Contact finance@natcom.org for more information.

Yes. NCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consult a tax advisor.