For local Chambers, diversifying revenue streams is always top of mind. As we continuously look beyond traditional membership dues to fund impactful community programs, government and foundation grants have increasingly entered the conversation.
To find out where Western chambers stand on this front, W.A.C.E. recent Chamber Snapshot Survey focused on Grant Readiness. The data provides a clear picture of how chambers are leveraging grants and where we have room to grow.

Glenn Morris, President & CEO, W.A.C.E

​The 2026 W.A.C.E. Benchmarking Survey shows a chamber industry that remains broadly stable and optimistic about its own future, even as respondents are more cautious about the broader economy. Overall, the most noteworthy year-over-year changes are: stronger expectations for new member sales; a notable increase in chambers expecting to raise dues next year; increased use of tiered membership-only dues models; improved market-share awareness; and continued confidence in chambers despite caution about state and national economic conditions.