Financial sustainability stands as a critical concern for Employers' and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) leaders worldwide. In the wake of Covid-19 crisis, many EBMOs found themselves compelled to deplete their reserves, prompting a heightened focus on the financial resilience of their organizations. Consequently, a growing number of EBMOs have embarked on reevaluating their financial models, while others have recognized the imperative of crafting robust medium and long-term financial strategies to fortify their sustainability and resilience. Yet, achieving financial sustainability transcends mere short-term fixes; it demands a proactive approach that addresses both immediate challenges and future uncertainties. Through proper financial management and strategic decision-making, EBMOs can navigate economic fluctuations, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and remain resilient in the face of adversity. Indeed, sound financial management stands as a prerequisite for EBMOs to fulfill their dual mandate as the voice of business and the provider of essential services to the business community.

Despite its significance, EBMOs financial structures and strategies have never been adequately studied. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap by meticulously examining financial data and gathering qualitative insights from EBMO leaders to elucidate prevailing trends and best practices in achieving financial sustainability. In doing so, the report marks a ground-breaking milestone as the first comprehensive examination of financial data and sustainability strategies within EBMOs.

The research has revealed that the pursuit of financial sustainability among EBMOs is characterized by a multifaceted approach, primarily emphasizing income generation and expenditure control. The intricate nature of reaching financial sustainability highlights the lack of a one-size-fits-all solution suitable for all organizations. Consequently, crafting recommendations or panaceas for financial success prove to be an almost impossible task. Nevertheless, the research has delineated a set of guiding principles that should form the cornerstone of any financial sustainability strategy, accompanied by many stories and examples—both positive and negative—that offer valuable insights and inspiration to EBMO leaders worldwide.

This research is a first endeavour in a delicate and sensitive area. Opportunities for further inquiry, enhanced collaboration, and targeted initiatives abound. Expanding the data sample and accessing granular information on income streams and expenditure categories hold the promise of yielding even more substantive insights.