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        Fundraising for a separate segregated fund (SSF)
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      Online solicitations for the SSF

Online solicitations for the SSF Internet or intranet web pages A connected organization or the SSF may maintain a website or an intranet page that provides information about the SSF, including information about how to inquire further about the SSF. In such cases, the following rules regarding the restricted class apply: The SSF must confine any solicitation to areas of the website accessible only to the restricted class via a password. Note that a universal password is permissible, provided it is only distributed to members of the restricted class.The SSF must ensure that any part of the website accessible to those outside the restricted class includes a statement that federal law prohibits soliciting contributions from outside the restricted class and that such contributions will be returned to the contributor; andThe SSF must closely monitor contributions to prevent the receipt of contributions from outside the restricted class. As many contributions made online are made in the form of a credit card, the SSF and its connected organization must screen and vet contributors to ensure that online contributions come from permissible sources. The date of the contribution is considered to be the date the contribution was authorized by the contributor. Email solicitations The SSF or its connected organization may maintain an email listserv (electronic mailing list) to send SSF solicitations via email to members of the restricted class. All of the requisite notices must be incorporated into such an email. Requests for prior approval A trade association SSF may accept corporate members' electronic signatures as written prior authorization to solicit the restricted class of their corporate members. The electronic authorization may be obtained through email or a website. In either case, the trade association must verify that: The prior approval forms were available only to representatives of corporate members; andEach electronic signature came from the specific corporate representative. Furthermore, a copy of the electronic approval had to be maintained, in a readily available form, for three years.
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          What is and is not a solicitationWho may be solicited for an SSF contributionCollecting and forwarding SSF contributions: Collecting agentsWritten solicitationsKeeping SSF records From the FEC Record Internet activity conducted by federal political committees (2020)
 Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 114.5(a)(5)Guidelines for solicitations
 Advisory opinions AO 2011-13Disclaimers for internet solicitations, including on mobile internet devices AO 2006-03Common username and password acceptable for SSF website AO 2000-10Prior approval form placed on trade association web page AO 2000-07Use of corporate websites to provide PAC information and solicit contributions AO 1999-36Fundraising via electronic checks and internet fund transfers AO 1999-09Credit card contributions received by presidential primary candidates via internet AO 1999-03Use of digital signatures by restricted class to authorize payroll deductions AO 1995-33Sending PAC solicitations through executive's secretary AO 1995-09Operating a political committee in cyberspace


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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