When grassroots nonprofits talk about fundraising, we often focus on donations, grants, and events—but there’s another revenue stream many small organizations overlook: program fees.

Program fees aren’t about “making money” in the traditional sense. They’re about sustainability.

If you look at well-established nonprofits, most of them offer fee-based programs—whether it’s summer camps, classes, certifications, or special events. These fees help cover the actual costs of running programs (staff time, materials, space rental, insurance, etc.) and often help subsidize free services for those who can’t afford to pay.

Because here’s a hard truth: Free for everyone forever isn’t sustainable. (The exception to this is government funded programs and services.)

By charging reasonable program fees—especially for services that offer clear value—you create more financial stability for your organization and make sure your staff and volunteers aren’t burning out to keep things afloat.

Key Benefits of Program Fees:

Covers real costs of programs and operations
Offsets free services for community members who need them
Encourages participants to value and commit to programming
Creates predictable, renewable revenue beyond fundraising events or grant cycles

Pro Tip:

Sliding scales, scholarships, or pay-what-you-can models can make program fees accessible without removing them entirely.

Let’s take a look at some examples to see how nonprofit program fees play out in the real world.

Example 1: Sliding Scale Workshops

A grassroots arts nonprofit offers monthly workshops on ceramics and painting. They charge a sliding scale fee—participants can pay between $15 and $50 based on their income or ability to pay.

The fees cover materials, instructor pay, and studio space—and any extra income helps fund their free after-school program for youth from low-income families.

Example 2: Outdoor Skill-Building Courses

An outdoor recreation nonprofit offers beginner mountain biking clinics. They charge $45 per person, which covers trail permits, instructor costs, and safety gear rentals.

The fees not only make the program sustainable—they also help the organization offer free outdoor adventure days for local teens and families throughout the summer.

In closing, whether it’s a workshop, training, or outdoor experience, program fees can empower your nonprofit to offer more opportunities—not fewer.

Want expert guidance on improving your grant strategy? At Beckie Irvin Consulting and Research, LLC, we help grassroots nonprofits develop stronger grant proposals, research funding opportunities, and build sustainable fundraising plans. Book a consultation today, and let’s get your organization the funding it deserves!

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