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      Naming the SSF

Naming the SSF Include full name of sponsor An SSF’s connected organization—often called the sponsoring organization—is the organization that establishes, administers, or financially supports the SSF. The official name of an SSF must include the full name of the connected organization (including “Inc.” or “Corp.” if applicable). In the SSF name, standard abbreviations for “Company,” “Association” and similar words are acceptable. The full committee name may also include the acronym “PAC.” Thus, an acceptable name for an SSF sponsored by Acme Industries Corp. would be “Acme Industries Corp. PAC.” Joint SSFs If an SSF is jointly sponsored by two or more organizations, the full names of both organizations must appear in the name of the SSF. (If a connected organization has a parent company or subsidiaries, the names of those corporations do not need to be included in the name of the SSF, unless more than one company is sponsoring the SSF.) Abbreviated name An SSF may use a shortened form of its official name on its checks and letterhead. The shortened name must include a clearly recognizable acronym or form of the connected organization’s name. The SSF must include the abbreviated name, along with the full name, on: The Statement of Organization;All reports and notices filed by the committee; andAny disclaimer notices used by the committee in public political advertisements.
 Example In AO 2000-34 (SAPPI PAC), the Commission ruled that SAPPI PAC was an acceptable abbreviation for SAPPI Fine Paper North America/S.D. Warren Company PAC because the acronym “SAPPI” was used in various well-known financial reference sources, thus establishing that it was a clearly recognized acronym by which the connected organization was known. In AO 1980-23 (Agricultural and Dairy Educational Political Trust), “Mid–Am PAC” was not a permissible abbreviation for Mid-American Dairymen, Inc.’s SSF because it did not recognizably identify the sponsoring organization.
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          Getting a tax ID and a bank accountAppointing a treasurerIncorporating the SSFRegistering the SSF Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 100.6(a)Definition of connected organization 11 CFR 102.14(c)Name of separate segregated fund 11 CFR 110.11Communications; advertising; disclaimer
 Advisory opinions AO 2010-16Wholly corporate owned LLC as connected organization for SSF AO 2004-04Abbreviated name of trade association SSF AO 2002-04Official name and abbreviated name of SSF AO 2000-34Name and acronym of SSF AO 1988-42Official name of PAC jointly established by two corporations AO 1988-14Joint PAC of affiliated corporations AO 1980-23Name of separate segregated fund AO 1980-10Title of a corporate political action committee


This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public. The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.


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