BNI 833: Chapter Dues and Chapter Checking Accounts – Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Tim Roberts

In Episode 833 of the BNI & The Power of One podcast, host Tim Roberts delves into the intricate topic of Chapter Dues and Chapter Checking Accounts. This episode is particularly insightful for BNI chapter leaders grappling with financial management and membership fee structures.

Listener's Inquiry: Navigating Chapter Finances

The episode opens with a thoughtful question from a BNI member, identified as Sam, posing significant concerns about managing chapter finances. Sam serves as the Secretary Treasurer of his BNI chapter and outlines the following scenario:

• Current Financial Status: The chapter maintains a balance of approximately $6,000 in the bank.
• Membership Fees: With 17 members contributing around $40 monthly, the chapter nets an additional $138 after covering standard monthly expenses.
• Proposed Change: Sam suggested reducing the monthly fee to $30, aiming to maintain necessary expenses while freeing up an extra $10 for savings and upcoming networking events like Visitor Day.
• Challenge: The Vice President (VP) opposed the reduction, citing concerns about increased debt in the future and deeming the idea flawed.

Sam's Question Highlights:

1. Authority on Venue Fees: "Can I decide the venue fee amount? Am I making the correct decision reducing it to $30 a month?" [05:15]
2. Managing Chapter Checking Accounts: "What's the most efficient way to run a chapter checking account?" [07:45]

Tim Roberts’ Comprehensive Response: Best Practices and BNI Policies

Tim Roberts addresses Sam’s concerns by first clarifying BNI's stance on chapter checking accounts and the autonomy of local chapters in financial decisions.

1. BNI’s Position on Financial Management:

   • BNI Global and local franchises do not oversee chapter checking accounts.
   • Financial matters like venue rentals and non-BNI activities are managed independently by each chapter.
   • "BNI does not get involved in chapter checking accounts. These accounts are for non-BNI related activities." [02:30]

2. Understanding BNI’s Operations Manual:

   • Roberts references the latest BNI operations manual, emphasizing that chapter checking accounts should strictly handle non-BNI related expenses, such as:
     • Venue rental fees
     • Gifts for members
     • Contributions to charities
     • Chapter-specific social events
   • "These are not BNI related activities and are solely at the discretion of the individual members." [05:50]

3. Best Practices for Managing Chapter Checking Accounts:

   • Account Setup:
     • Utilize a simple, interest-free checking account.
     • Require two signatures for all transactions to enhance security.
     • "We highly recommend never accumulating more than your current needs or at most two months’ worth of expenses." [09:10]
   • Transparency and Accountability:
     • Regularly share financial statements with all chapter members.
     • Implement open communication regarding all expenditures.
     • "There should be very open transparency on what's going on with that account." [11:25]
   • Decision-Making Process:
     • Major financial decisions should involve the entire leadership team, not just individual officers.
     • Conduct votes on significant expenses to ensure collective agreement.
     • "Any additional expense should require a discussion and agreement within the leadership team." [13:40]

4. Evaluating the Reduction of Membership Fees:

   • Roberts supports Sam’s initiative to reduce the monthly dues, considering the current financial surplus.
   • "Reducing the fee to $30 a month is a positive step, especially since the chapter is currently exceeding its expenses." [14:10]
   • He advises maintaining a low balance in the chapter’s checking account to prevent mismanagement.
   • "Your chapter should not have thousands of dollars in the checking account. It’s irresponsible." [14:35]

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

• Autonomy in Financial Decisions: BNI chapters retain full control over their non-BNI related financial activities, requiring only adherence to best practices for transparency and accountability.

• Implementing Checks and Balances: Utilizing multi-signature accounts and regular financial reporting mitigates risks of mismanagement and fosters trust within the chapter.

• Strategic Fee Management: Adjusting membership dues should be a collective decision, reflecting the chapter’s financial health and growth objectives.

• Limiting Account Balances: Maintain minimal balances in chapter checking accounts to ensure funds are used judiciously and remain accountable.

Notable Quotes

• "Chapter checking accounts are for things that are not required by BNI." [03:20]
• "There should be very open transparency on what's going on with that account." [11:25]
• "Reducing the fee to $30 a month is a positive step." [14:10]
• "Your chapter should not have thousands of dollars in the checking account. It’s irresponsible." [14:35]

Conclusion

Tim Roberts provides a thorough analysis of managing chapter finances within BNI, emphasizing the importance of transparency, proper management of checking accounts, and collaborative decision-making in adjusting membership dues. His guidance ensures that chapters can sustainably grow while maintaining financial integrity and member trust.

For BNI members seeking to enhance their chapter’s financial operations, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of chapter dues and checking accounts effectively.