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        Fundraising for a separate segregated fund (SSF)
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      Solicitations at conventions or meetings

Solicitations at conventions or meetings SSFs may solicit funds using any otherwise legal method of fundraising; however, no matter which method is used, the rules specific to all SSF solicitations must be observed. Oral solicitations Oral SSF solicitations, for example those done through a speech, a meeting or a telephone or in-person conversation, may be made only to members of the restricted class (and not to anyone else). The speaker must include all of the requisite notices in his or her remarks. Literature about the SSF may be offered when requesting contributions. Solicitations at conventions or meetings Connected organizations may make solicitations at a convention or meeting. The audience may include only a de minimis number of persons outside of the restricted class (for example, speakers, featured guests). For example, an SSF may solicit contributions from a booth at a convention, provided that: The booth is not publicized prior to the convention other than to members of the restricted class;The booth’s signs inform contributors of the solicitation restrictions;The connected organization maintains a list of individuals in the restricted class; andFunds are not accepted from individuals who are not solicitable. Publicity An impermissible solicitation will occur, even if unintended, when a connected organization provides information beyond the restricted class on how to contribute to its SSF or when it encourages support of the SSF. A pre-meeting mailing that mentions an SSF fundraising event or a booth is a solicitation. A sign saying "Ask Us for Information About the PAC Fundraiser" or informing attendees about a fundraising event is also a solicitation.
 Learn more about the basic rules for SSF fundraising
 Prior approval for trade association SSFs A trade association may also receive written solicitation approvals at the convention as long as they are signed by persons authorized by the corporations to make such approvals.
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          What is and is not a solicitationWho may be solicited for an SSF contributionWho is a memberNotices required on SSF solicitations Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Advisory opinions AO 2003-05Federal candidate's or officeholder's participation in membership organization fundraising events AO 1995-14Operating booth at joint convention of membership organizations AO 1981-14Agent authorized to reapportion employee contributions AO 1979-66Notice in trade association's publications AO 1979-13Solicitation for separate segregated fund AO 1978-83Use of authorization form to secure corporate approval of solicitations by trade association AO 1978-17Solicitations at trade association convention AO 1976-96Fundraising by trade association; definition of solicitation AO 1976-27Solicitations by trade association PAC


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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