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      Who can and can't contribute to a nonconnected PAC

Who can and can't contribute to a nonconnected PAC Who can contribute to a traditional nonconnected PAC Individuals An individual may make contributions to political committees, subject to limitations.
 Minors The decision to contribute is made knowingly and voluntarily by the minor;The funds, goods or services contributed are owned or controlled by the minor, proceeds from a trust for which he or she is a beneficiary or funds withdrawn by the minor from a financial account opened and maintained in his or her name; andThe contribution is not made using funds given to the minor as a gift for the purpose of making the contribution, and is not in any way controlled by another individual.
 Partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs) Partnerships are permitted to make contributions according to special rules. Likewise, if an LLC is taxed as a partnership, it is subject to the contribution limits for partnerships.
 Learn more about receiving contributions from partnerships and LLCs
 Who can’t contribute to a traditional nonconnected PAC Corporations and labor organizations The Act prohibits corporations and labor organizations from making contributions and expenditures in connection with federal elections. This prohibition applies to all types of incorporated organizations, except political committees that incorporate only for liability purposes. The transactions described result in prohibited corporate or labor contributions and therefore must be avoided. Use of general treasury funds Corporations and labor organizations may not use their general treasury funds to make contributions to political committees or candidates. In addition, national banks and federally chartered corporations may not make contributions in connection with any U.S. election—federal, state or local. Reimbursements of contributions A corporation or labor organization may not reimburse individuals who make contributions to a political committee. Extensions of credit A corporate vendor may not extend credit to a political committee for a longer period of time than is normally practiced in the creditor’s trade. (Credit is permissible only if it is extended in the ordinary course of business.) When a political committee fails to pay a debt owed to a corporate vendor within the time specified by the vendor, a prohibited contribution by the vendor may result if: The vendor fails to make a commercially reasonable attempt to collect a debt from the committee; orThe terms of the credit were not substantially similar to similar extensions of credit by the vendor to nonpolitical clients. Any settlement of a debt between a creditor and a political committee for less than the full amount owed must comply with the debt settlement procedures prescribed by FEC rules. Discounts If a corporation or labor organization sells goods or services to a political committee at a price below the usual and normal charge, a prohibited contribution results in the amount of the discount. A reduced price is not considered a contribution, however, if it is offered by the vendor in the ordinary course of business and at the same amount charged to nonpolitical clients. Compensation for services If a corporation or labor organization pays for services rendered to a nonconnected committee, a prohibited contribution results. There is an exception, however, for legal and accounting services. Federal government contractors Political committees and candidates may not accept contributions from federal government contractors.
 Learn more about the federal government contractor prohibition
 Foreign nationals Federal law prohibits contributions, donations, expenditures(including independent expenditures) and disbursements solicited, directed, received or made directly or indirectly by or from foreign nationals in connection with any federal, state or local election.
 Learn more about the foreign national prohibition
 Contributions in the name of another Contributions by one person in the name of another person are prohibited. This means that no one may make or help someone to make a contribution in the name of another. Knowingly accepting a contribution in the name of another is also prohibited. Who can and can’t contribute to a Super PAC or Hybrid PAC Political committees that make only independent expenditures may solicit and accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, labor organizations and other political committees. They may not accept contributions from foreign nationals, federal contractors, national banks or federally chartered corporations.
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          Contributions to Super PACs and Hybrid PACsContribution limits to nonconnected PACsHandling a questionable contribution to a nonconnected PACOverdrafts and bounced checksFundraising for the PAC From the FEC Record Foreign nationals
 Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Continue learning about this topic Contributions 2023-2024
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 100.52(a), (d)Gift, subscription, loan, advance or deposit of money 11 CFR 100.55Extension of credit 11 CFR 110.1(e) and (k)(1)Contributions by persons other than multicandidate political committees 11 CFR 110.4(b)Contributions in the name of another; cash contributions 11 CFR 110.20Foreign national prohibition 11 CFR 114.1(a)(2)Definitions (corporate & labor organization activity) 11 CFR 114.12(a)Incorporation of political committees; payment of fringe benefits 11 CFR 115.2Federal government contractor prohibition 11 CFR 115.6Federal government contractor employee contributions or expenditures 11 CFR 116.3(b)Extensions of credit by commercial vendors
 Advisory opinions AO 2011-11Application of media exemption AO 2010-11Nonconnected committee accepting corporate and union contributions to make independent expenditures AO 2006-01Committee may accept discount in normal course of business AO 2000-17Establishment of SSF by subsidiary of foreign corporation AO 1990-08Establishment of PAC by corporation majority-owned by foreign bank AO 1989-29PAC established by company owned by foreign national AO 1989-20Contributions by committee funding by foreign-owned and foreign-financed corporation AO 1989-14Restaurant's method of charging political customers AO 1986-41Trade association's plan to compensate employees who make contributions
 Press release FEC statement on Carey v. FEC: Reporting guidance for political committees that maintain a non-contribution account


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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