Preview: New Revenue Models Resource Guide
Chambers of commerce are adapting their business models to remain relevant and financially resilient. While membership dues remain essential, leading organizations have mastered the art of balanced innovation—creating new revenue streams without compromising their core mission.
ACCE’s newest Revenue Models Resource Guide highlights the latest data, trends and creative approaches to membership and non-dues revenue. It features revenue breakdowns across a variety of organizational structures, practical guidance for exploring new revenue opportunities and fresh examples from 35 peer organizations you won’t want to miss.
Keep reading for a sneak peek of the publication. Purchase the full guide online.
Chamber Revenue Trends
Over the past decade the share of annual revenue from member dues has declined as non-dues income has become a stronger driver of chamber budgets. Even so, membership remains central to chambers of commerce. Many organizations are reimagining their membership models to better meet local business needs, moving beyond transactional relationships to true partnerships.
This shift toward impact-driven membership has coincided with a broader diversification of revenue streams. Non-dues revenue, ranging from events and sponsorships to advertising and fee-for-service opportunities, now fuels much of chambers’ growth.
Case Study: Developing Nonprofit Leaders in Southwest Washington
Beginning in 2019, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) noticed an increase in nonprofit leadership departures, with few options in Southwest Washington to fulfill executive director roles. GVC recognized an opportunity to address the gap by cultivating local leaders rather than relying on talent from outside communities.
At the same time, a volunteer-run nonprofit network was winding down. The chamber and the network had a long-standing shared mission to support nonprofits through education, relationship building and advocacy. After several discussions and partnership proposals, the network’s board agreed to allow GVC to take over. GVC formally absorbed the organization, consolidated resources and integrated its members, many of whom already belonged to the chamber.
The move aligned with GVC’s mission to provide inclusive and innovative programming that helps businesses thrive and build community vitality. With more than 100 nonprofit members already engaged, the chamber saw a clear opportunity for expanded training and resources designed for nonprofits.
GVC began with monthly workshops on fundamentals like fundraising and grant writing, drawing up to 100 participants per session. Building on that demand, the chamber launched the Excellence for Nonprofit Leadership (ENL) program, a nine-day course with sessions from local experts on topics such as management basics, governance, finance, legal and strategic planning. The program charges a registration fee of $1,250, or $625 with the support of a scholarship from a community foundation. Nearly 50 leaders participated in the inaugural 2024 cohort and the chamber plans to expand the program.
Interest extended to the private sector as well. GVC developed BoardReady, a one-day certification program for current and aspiring board members. Taught by the chamber’s chief operating officer, the eight-module curriculum covers topics like governance roles, financial stewardship, compliance and strategy. Registration costs $375 for members and $450 for non-members, with scholarships available. The chamber also licenses the program to other chambers interested in delivering this training to leaders in their own communities.
Program execution is a team effort. Marketing and communications staff manage promotion, branding, messaging and social media. Business development staff secure corporate sponsorships as well as facilitate chamber investors to register their staff for the workshop. Event specialists coordinate logistics, from venues to catering and AV. Senior staff deliver content.
The Southwest Washington Nonprofit Collective, part of their 501(c)(3) chamber foundation, now serves as the central hub for nonprofit collaboration and leadership development. In 2024, the collective engaged 400 professionals, empowered 130 nonprofits and delivered 35 events.
The collective also generates significant non-dues revenue for GVC. Funding comes from program registrations, sponsorships, grants—including $100,000 awarded from the county—and licensing fees. The collective now accounts for about 18% of GVC’s total annual revenue, strengthening the chamber while developing long-term nonprofit leadership capacity across the region.
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Special thanks to the ACCE members who contributed their expertise to this publication. The 2025 Revenue Models Resource Guide is available online now. ($50 ACCE members, $100 non-members)
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