What is campaign contributions

However, they can influence federal elections by creating political action committees, better known as PACs. These committees solicit donations from members and associates in order to make campaign contributions or fund campaign activities, such as advertising. Funds raised and spent by PACs are subject to federal limits.

Like traditional PACs, super PACs , or independent expenditure-only political committees, raise money to influence federal elections through advertising and other efforts. However, donations to super PACs are not subject to federal limits.

Politicians can also create political action committees, called leadership PACs. Separate from a candidate's official campaign committee, leadership PACs are often used to contribute funds to political allies. To be eligible for these funds, candidates must agree to spending and fundraising restrictions.

Notably, presidential nominees may receive public funds only if they agree not to use private donations. Learn how to run for office, get an issue on the ballot, and review campaign finance disclosures. Find current election dates, recent results, measure and candidate information, voting locations, and more.

View past election results. Find out how to become a poll worker and get the tools and information you need to make your Election Day a success. We encourage and support organizations, groups, and residents in efforts to promote community involvement and local action. Campaign Contributions. Please switch to another browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for a better experience. A contribution is anything of value given, loaned or advanced to influence a federal election.

It is important to understand which receipts are considered contributions because:. A contribution of money may be made by check, cash currency , credit card or other written instrument. Bank loans, however, are not considered contributions if made in the ordinary course of business and on a basis that assures repayment. Goods or services offered free or at less than the usual charge result in an in-kind contribution. Goods such as facilities, equipment, supplies or mailing lists are valued at the price the item or facility would cost if purchased or rented at the time the contribution is made.

For example, if someone donates a personal computer to the campaign, the contribution equals the ordinary market price of the computer at the time of the contribution. Services such as advertising, printing or consultant services are valued at the prevailing commercial rate at the time the services are rendered.

The contributor needs to notify the recipient candidate committee of the value of an in-kind contribution. Under limited exemptions in the law, persons may provide certain goods and services to a committee without making contributions. For example, when services are volunteered—not paid for by anyone—the activity is not considered a contribution. When an individual uses personal funds or personal credit to pay for a campaign expense, that payment is generally an in-kind contribution from that individual.

Although such advances are considered in-kind contributions until reimbursed, special reporting rules apply when individuals pay for campaign expenses and later receive reimbursement from the committee. When a committee, group or individual pays for a communication that is coordinated with a campaign or a candidate, the communication is either an in-kind contribution or, in some limited cases, a coordinated party expenditure by a party committee.

Earmarking may take the form of a designation, instruction or encumbrance and may be direct or indirect, express or implied, written or oral. Earmarked contributions require additional disclosure. A bundled contribution is any contribution that is either:. Examples include titles, tracking identifiers, access to events or activities, and mementos such as photographs with the candidate, or autographed copies of books authored by the candidate.

A joint contribution is a contribution that is made by more than one person using a single check or other written instrument.