06/09/2025

Three Underused Revenue Streams Associations Should Leverage

Associations must diversify their income

For many associations, sustaining financial growth relies heavily on membership dues and events. While these are tried-and-true revenue sources, they're no longer sufficient for long-term viability. To remain competitive and impactful, associations must diversify their income by exploring additional funding opportunities. Let’s explore three underutilized revenue streams that can help associations strengthen their financial foundation while staying aligned with their mission and member needs.

1. Grants

Grants are funds provided by external organizations to support specific projects or initiatives. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable funding source. While many grants cater to nonprofits, associations classified under certain other IRS codes, like 501(c)(6), may still qualify for a wide range of opportunities.

Grants have different characteristics to keep in mind, such as:

• Restricted versus unrestricted: Restricted grants must be used for specific purposes defined by the grantor, while unrestricted grants offer flexibility in how funds are used.
• One-time versus installments: Some grants are paid as a lump sum, while others are disbursed in installments over a set period.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.