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Association of Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Foundations

Chamber foundation revenue is a viable way to support programs and build capacity.

About Chamber Foundations

Foundations may be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code upon a finding that they exist for one or more exclusively charitable purposes. Donations to most types of 501(c)(3) organizations are tax deductible under IRS regulations. Foundations may also receive funding from other foundations offering grants or other funding opportunities, and in certain situations may provide revenue for chambers to pursue goals aligned with the foundation’s mission.

Many chambers have started foundations with 501(c)(3) tax status to support their communities. Some of the most active chamber foundations have a few things in common:

  • Focus - Their mission is focused, not all-encompassing. They have a specific purpose.
  • Tasks - They have responsibility for specific projects that are either not being done elsewhere or can be "chunked out" from current chamber operations.
  • Team - They have their own high-powered staff.
  • Funds - Their project and mission is in-demand and is ripe with potential for funding above the chamber "rate card."

Learn more by exploring the collection of webinars and resources in the Chamber Foundations Resource Bundle.

501(c)3 Foundation Data

In 2014, more chambers participating in ACCE’s annual Operations Survey reported having a 501(c)3 foundation than did not, and the trend has continued since. In 2020, 65% or participating chambers reported having a 501(c)3 foundation.

 

Chambers of commerce are in the community impact business and the pandemic has spurred engagement with social issues that have traditionally been considered outside the scope of chamber work, including racial equity and economic inclusion. Chambers are leveraging their foundations to create new revenue streams to support mission-based work and recognizing the potential for growth through fundraising over traditional dues and non-dues revenue, particularly in times of crisis.

View more data in ACCE's 2020 Economic Recovery Report, (collected via Dynamic Chamber Benchmarking).

Connecting to Funders

Connecting the right funders to the foundation’s strategic plan will create new revenue streams to support the chamber's mission-based work.