By now, you’ve learned how your chapter can generate revenue through sponsorships, courses, and events. But just as important as how you earn it—is how you use it.

Chapter revenue isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s an opportunity to create value for your members, invest in your future, and expand your impact in the local industry.

Whether your chapter brings in $500 or $5,000 a year, let’s think strategically about how to put that money to work.

Why It's Important to Plan for Revenue Use

Chapters that generate revenue but don’t have a clear plan often default to spending on one-off items, or worse—let the funds sit unused. But with a little foresight, your chapter can align spending with long-term goals, like member growth, retention, visibility, or student engagement.

When revenue is reinvested intentionally, it:

• Builds momentum and credibility
• Shows members their dues and time are making a difference
• Supports outreach efforts that grow the chapter
• Makes future events easier to fund and scale

Where Chapters Are Investing Revenue Today

Here are some common and high-impact ways chapters across AMPP are using revenue:

1. Scholarships and Student Support

Many chapters use course or event proceeds to offer small scholarships to students pursuing degrees in materials protection, engineering, or related fields. Others fund travel or registration for students to attend conferences or local events.

Example: Your chapter can create a $1,000 annual scholarship using proceeds from two technical dinners. It could become the highlight of your spring meeting each year.

2. Chapter Branding and Visibility

Invest in materials that make your chapter look more professional and recognizable:

• Pop-up banners or tablecloths for events
• Printed flyers or handouts for outreach
• Promotional items (pens, notebooks, shirts) for giveaways or raffles
• Paid social media promotion for events

Tip: These one-time purchases often pay for themselves by improving sponsor interest and member recruitment at local AMPP or chapter events.

3. Hybrid Meeting Technology

As audiences continue to expect virtual access, you could invest in tools to improve the quality of their hybrid events. This includes:

• Portable mics or webcams
• Zoom or Teams subscriptions
• Tripods, lighting, or recording devices
• Training on using the technology effectively

Example: A chapter could use $600 in sponsorship revenue to purchase a basic hybrid kit. Their next meeting could have both in-person and online attendees—and a sponsor to support future streamed events.

4. Speaker and Volunteer Appreciation

Recognizing the people who make your chapter successful is a smart investment in morale and retention. Consider using funds to:

• Provide thank-you gifts or meals for speakers
• Create custom certificates or plaques
• Send volunteers to a local AMPP event or training

Small gestures go a long way in building a sustainable leadership pipeline.

5. Seed Funding for New Programs

Have an idea for a new event or initiative? Use your surplus revenue to test it out:

• Host a free networking breakfast to attract early-career members
• Launch a community service day with branded shirts
• Run a pilot workshop or panel event in a new area

Example: A chapter could use extra course proceeds to sponsor a joint event with a local engineering society or company. If it drew 50+ attendees who were new to AMPP, that would be great exposure for your chapter.

Build a Simple Annual Budget

Once your chapter begins generating revenue consistently, start developing a simple annual budget that aligns spending with chapter goals. You don’t need a CPA—just a working spreadsheet and a shared understanding of what matters most.

Include categories like:

• Programming and events
• Outreach and promotion
• Volunteer appreciation
• Technology or supplies
• Scholarships or grants
• Contingency savings

And don’t forget to track what works. If a course, sponsor, or event drives strong results, make it a recurring part of your calendar.

Final Thought: Revenue is a Tool, Not a Goal

Revenue itself isn’t the endgame. What matters is how your chapter uses it to advance your mission, strengthen the local community, and support your members.

Whether you’re planning your first sponsored meeting or reviewing a surplus from last year’s course, ask yourself:
How can this money help us make a bigger impact?

Wrapping Up the Series

This concludes our six-part series on chapter revenue generation. We’ve explored how to:

1. Understand the value of revenue
2. Build sponsorships
3. Host AMPP courses
4. Monetize chapter events
5. Market effectively
6. Reinvest with purpose

If your chapter is ready to take the next step—but unsure where to begin—AMPP is here to help. Reach out to your chapter support contact at chapters@ampp.org, and let us know how we can support your goals.

Read other blogs in this series:

The Power of Chapter Revenue: How Funding Fuels Growth and Impact

Sponsorships as Strategy: A Reliable Revenue Stream for Chapter Growth

Event-Driven Revenue: Turning Chapter Meetings Into Growth Opportunities

Teach and Thrive: How Hosting AMPP Courses Can Strengthen Your Chapter

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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