LEADERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
The Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) is committed to strengthening the professional growth, competence, and leadership of Chamber of Commerce Executives across Vermont. Through professional development, peer learning, and financial support, VACCE equips chamber leaders with the skills and resources needed to advance their organizations and effectively serve their business communities.
To support chambers in an ever-evolving environment, VACCE provides funding reimbursements for professional development, organizational growth, and marketing initiatives.
Professional Development Fund
Total Budget: $8,000
This fund provides financial assistance for VACCE members and their staff to access professional development, including educational courses, conferences, and workshops.
Eligibility:
● Reimbursement is first-come, first-served until funds are depleted.
● Chambers may apply once per quarter (up to four times annually).
● Priority is given to chambers that have not yet received funding in the calendar year.
● All Professional Development reimbursements will be capped at $1,200 per request
● Conferences: Registration fees will be reimbursed up to $250. Hotel Reimbursement is allowed up to $250 for each conference
Examples of Use:
● IOM Conferences
● ACCE Fellowships
● Issue Conferences: Tourism summits, economic development forums, housing roundtables, workforce symposiums, legislative affairs briefings
● Skill-Building Workshops: Social media management, AI tools for nonprofits and chambers, sponsorship best practices, membership engagement strategies, graphic
design for non-designers, newsletter and email marketing tactics
● Peer Networking Conferences: NEACCE Annual Conference, ACCE Convention, U.S. Chamber events, regional economic development bootcamps, rural chamber collaboratives
● Other Ideas: DEI training programs, public speaking workshops, grant writing seminars, leadership academies, customer service certification programs
● Executive Coaching: working one-on-one with an expert coach to help guide your development and planning.
How to Apply:
1. Submit a funding request via the VACCE online application form
2. Applications must include:
a. A brief description of the professional development activity
b. An itemized cost breakdown
c. Proof of payment (receipt or invoice)
d. A short statement on how the training aligns with chamber goals
3. VACCE board members will review applications monthly.
4. The board chair will notify the applicant on what the board has decided within 5 days of the decision.
5. Approved applicants will receive reimbursement within 30 days.
Organizational Development Fund
Total Budget: $6,000
This fund supports organizational growth, leadership development, and strategic improvements within local chambers.
Eligibility:
● Reimbursement is first-come, first-served until funds are depleted.
● Chambers may apply once per quarter (up to four times annually).
● Priority is given to chambers that have not yet received funding in the calendar year.
● Chambers may request up to 50% reimbursement for qualifying initiatives with a cap of $2,500 annually for each chamber.
Examples of Use:
● Executive Coaching & Leadership Development
● Consulting Services (branding, revenue growth, membership engagement)
● Start-up Funding for Sustainable Revenue Programs
● Strategic planning sessions facilitated by a third party
● Board retreats and executive team off-sites
● Governance and board development training
● Consultant-led membership model overhaul
● Launching a chamber leadership program
● Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) assessment and action plan
● Internal process audit or digital transformation plan
● CRM/database upgrades with training
● Revenue diversification planning or partnership-building initiatives
● Other expenses considered upon review
How to Apply:
1. Submit a funding request via the VACCE online application form
2. Applications must include:
a. A brief description of the organizational development activity
b. An itemized cost breakdown
c. Proof of payment (receipt or invoice)
d. A short statement on how the work aligns with chamber goals
3. VACCE board members will review applications monthly.
4. The board chair will notify the applicant on what the board has decided within 5 days of the decision.
5. Approved applicants will receive reimbursement within 30 days.
Marketing Reimbursement Fund
Total Budget: $5,000
This fund helps chambers cover marketing and outreach expenses to promote their organizations locally and statewide.
Eligibility:
● Reimbursement is first-come, first-served until funds are depleted.
● Chambers may apply once per quarter - maximum of $500 per request (up to four
times annually).
● Priority is given to chambers that have not yet received funding in the calendar year.
Examples of Use:
● Travel guide distribution reimbursement
● Social media campaigns (Facebook ads, Instagram reels, LinkedIn branding)
● Website redesign or landing page creation for events or membership
● Google AdWords or paid search campaigns
● Creation of chamber welcome kits or annual reports
● Digital marketing consulting services
● Local radio, print, or billboard advertising
● Video production for chamber promotion or member testimonials
● New branding collateral (brochures, banners, signage)
● Print advertising & promotional materials
● Website development & digital advertising
● Marketing campaigns to increase chamber visibility
● Other expenses considered upon review
How to Apply:
1. Submit a funding request via the VACCE online application form
2. Applications must include:
a. A brief description of the marketing activity
b. An itemized cost breakdown
c. Proof of payment (receipt or invoice)
d. A short statement on how the work aligns with chamber goals
3. VACCE board members will review applications monthly.
4. The board chair will notify the applicant on what the board has decided within 5 days of the decision.
5. Approved applicants will receive reimbursement within 30 days.