Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Combined Budget

The Finance and Investment Subcommittee (FISC) reviewed and approved the proposed budget, submitted by management. The Secretary-Treasurer presented this budget to the Executive Committees (ECs) of the AAO-HNS/F Boards of Directors (BODs) for the fiscal year July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 (FY26) for their consideration. Following the presentation and ensuing discussion, the ECs endorsed it for final review and approval by the BODs. During the April 27, 2025, meeting, the BODs reviewed and approved the FY26 budget that is presented here to the members.

Budgeting for FY26 represents the collaborative work of both management and members of the FISC to match stable funding to the AAO-HNS/F mission. The proposed FY26 budget is structured to meet the goals of the AAO-HNS/F Strategic Plan while continuing to provide member services effectively and efficiently. It ensures necessary support for members in their practice and patient care, as well as strategic investment in the advancement and sustainability of the specialty and the Academy.

Highlights of the FY26 Budget 

The FY26 balanced budget, which projects an overall revenue increase of 2.25%, is proposed at nearly $21.5M, with $21M funded from operating revenue and approximately $500,000 funded from Board-Designated Reserve Funds. Investment activity is not part of the operating budget and therefore is not considered in these figures.

Nearly 80% of FY26 operating revenue is driven by membership dues (36%), Annual Meeting (32%), and education products (12%). The remaining 20% is generated from royalties from publishers of the journals and the Bulletin, royalties from our Academy Advantage partners, revenue from the Corporate Champions program, and donor contributions.

Changes in FY26 operating revenue compared with FY25 include: a projected lower number of attendees at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, due to factors potentially limiting international travel; increase in education product sales, mainly from broadening the reach of the Otolaryngology Core Curriculum to advanced practice providers and nonresident members; and increase in revenues from the Corporate Champions program due to enhanced outreach to industry partners.

FY26 expenses reflect focused allocations to key initiatives balanced with prudent cost management. Overall operating expenses are budgeted slightly higher than the prior year owing to target investment in technology infrastructure, expanded education offerings and products, and the Reg-ent^SM platform development and maintenance.

Donor-Restricted Net Assets are budgeted to support $234K of programs including CORE grants, Annual Meeting Honorary Guest Lectures, and travel grants for residents, humanitarian efforts, and International Visiting Scholars.

The budget is available to any Academy member who requests it in writing via email to Lisa Holman, Senior Director, Finance, at bulletin@entnet.org.