Non-Dues Revenue

Building resilient and diversified funding streams to support your chamber's community impact work is key to long-term success. Membership dues have been a flattening or declining percentage of revenue for membership organizations for years. Selling a traditional memberships will continue to grow even harder and less relevant to meet modern priorities.

Mission-based revenue sources may include investor models, creative sponsorships, monetized events and expertise, fee-for-service activities, and leveraging a 501(c)(3) foundation. Chambers can’t rely on business models that served us 30 years ago, because the world has changed and is evolving even more rapidly today. Adaptations must be made. If not, chambers may not be around to lead and serve our communities.

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On-Demand Learning

Browse the non-dues revenue section of ACCE's on-demand learning catalog to access educational programs, recorded webinars, roundtable call recordings, publications, toolkits, conference materials, and more. Learn More

Premium Content: Revenue Models Resource Guide

This white paper showcases chamber of commerce dues structures and non-dues revenue streams, highlighting the latest trends, sharing relevant case studies and providing practical tools to help you explore revenue opportunities at your chamber. Learn More

Premium Content: Chamber Foundation Basics

In this two-part e-course, Ashleigh Allione and Judith Kim of Venable LLP share information on how to create a nonprofit corporation exempt as a 501(c)(3) in connection an existing 501(c)(6) organization. Course content was developed based on information needs of ACCE members seeking to create chamber foundations or reactivate dormant foundations, and includes information on state law basics, steps to incorporate, how to apply for and maintain federal tax exemption status, and important items relevant to the ongoing relationship between the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations. Learn More

Non-Dues Revenue Documents and Samples

Visit the ACCE Member Knowledge Exchange to browse a curated collection of non-dues revenue-related sample documents, fundraising campaigns, sponsorship marketing and more. Learn More