Some EMBs receive income in the form of nomination fees, lost deposits, or fines imposed following breaches of electoral campaigning or other regulations. It is important that this income is fully and transparently accounted for.

EMBs may also receive funds and donations in kind from large corporations, the business community and philanthropists. EMBs need to be careful that the manner of raising funds from the corporate sector does not affect perceptions of their financial probity, impartiality or credibility.

Some EMBs, as in Australia, raise some funds through the administration of elections on behalf of bodies such as professional associations or trade unions. Others, as in Mauritius, charge a fee to recover the costs of printing copies of the electoral register that are distributed to political parties.