Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce — Local services in Haverhill

If you’re considering donating to a local nonprofit, take a closer look at where your money actually goes. Transparency matters — and I’ve done the homework most people wouldn’t even know how to begin.

Let’s talk about the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit. According to its 2024 IRS Form 990, the organization reported: • Total Revenue: $318,538 • Total Expenses: $309,747 • Total Program Service Spending: $196,144 • Administrative & Other Overhead: $113,603 • Program Ratio: ~63.3% • Overhead/Admin Ratio: ~36.7%

In plain terms: only 63 cents of every dollar spent went toward actual program services. The other 36+ cents went to admin, overhead, and leadership costs.

Let’s talk compensation. President Alex Eberhardt received $122,692 in salary, with an additional $15,197 in other benefits, for a total compensation of $137,889. That’s nearly 45% of all staffing expenses in a 4-person organization — and over 44% of the program budget itself.

No shame in earning a paycheck — but when the top earner makes up such a significant portion of total expenses in a small nonprofit, and there are limited direct services to the public, it’s worth asking: Is this the best use of limited resources?

One more thing: As a 501(c)(6), this Chamber is a trade organization — not a charitable nonprofit. That means your donations are not tax-deductible. So if you’re trying to maximize your community impact and charitable giving, consider supporting a 501(c)(3) instead — like local shelters, food banks, or grassroots mutual aid groups. Your dollars will stretch further and go directly toward helping those who need it most.

This isn’t about drama. It’s about data. And once you read between the lines of these IRS filings, the picture becomes clear.

Know before you...

Established in 1888, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the heart of 14 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We create and foster a prosperous business environment and support the growth and profitability of our members. We provide the resources, advocacy, information, networking and marketing opportunities for our members’ success.

Membership in the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce gives your business high visibility, enhances your image and credibility, and supports a winning local business climate.

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce provides numerous networking opportunities and helps their members business grow and flourish. I have been an active chamber member for more than 6 years and have seen the power of using the chamber to grow my business. If you are in business in greater Haverhill you...

We absolutely love how this vibrant Chamber tirelessly advocates and supports small businesses in the Greater Haverhill area! They small but mighty team listens, is responsive and is a leader in our business community. We strongly recommend all Haverhill area businesses...