Relatively few chapters have a formal budget: most proceed on an informal basis. Some have a budget that covers large, general categories.

Major costs of chapters include:

Chapters build into the fee charged for luncheon/dinner meetings any additional cost they might incur (announcements, charge for the meeting room, speaker fees, etc). Some chapters require payment before the event with no reimbursement for cancellations. If a chapter combines advance and pay-at-the-door arrangements, the restaurant/hotel needs to be flexible about additional meals. Frequently, the restaurant/hotel will not charge for a meeting space room if it expects to do enough meal business. Hotels/restaurants may give chapters special arrangements and prices if they commit to a year's meeting schedule of luncheons or dinners. Keeping costs and travel to a minimum is essential.

Speakers may be willing to waive fees in order to gain public exposure. Some chapters have shared fees and travel costs with other chapters by arranging for a series of meetings in a common geographic area.