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      Who can and can't contribute to the SSF

Who can and can't contribute to the SSF Who can contribute to the SSF Individuals An individual may make contributions to the separate segregated fund (SSF), subject to the limit per calendar year. An SSF or connected organization may solicit only a restricted class of persons associated with the connected organization. The general public may not be solicited. An SSF may accept an unsolicited contribution that is otherwise lawful, but the committee may not inform individuals outside the restricted class that unsolicited contributions are acceptable.
 Learn more about fundraising rules for SSFs
 Minors An individual who is under 18 years old may make contributions, if: 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contributed are owned or controlled by the minor, proceeds from a trust for which he or she is a beneficiary or funds withdrawn by the minor from a financial account opened and maintained in his or her name; andThe contribution is not made using funds given to the minor as a gift for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 considered a partnership for tax purposes, it is subject to the contribution limits for partnerships.
 Learn more about receiving contributions from partnerships and LLCs
 Who can’t contribute to the SSF Corporations and labor organizations Corporations and labor organizations may not use their general treasury funds to make contributions to their SSFs or candidates and they are generally prohibited from using their treasury funds to make contributions to other types of political committees. Officers of corporations and labor organizations are prohibited from consenting to the making of a prohibited corporate or labor contribution. In addition, national banks and federally chartered corporations may not make contributions in connection with any U.S. election—federal, state or local. Commingling of funds Corporations and labor organizations may not commingle their treasury funds with the funds of their SSFs. Any corporate or labor funds intended to pay the administrative expenses of an SSF must be paid directly to vendors or deposited in a special administrative account used only to pay the SSF's establishment, solicitation and administration costs. As an exception to the commingling prohibition, when a connected organization functions as a collecting agent for its SSF (for example, when collecting contributions via payroll deduction), it may temporarily deposit contributions in a general account before transmitting them to the SSF. Reimbursements of contributions A connected organization may not reimburse individuals who make contributions to an SSF or another political committee. Federal government contractors Federal government contractors are prohibited from making contributions or expenditures in connection with a federal election.
 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 A contribution made by one person in the name of another is prohibited. Similarly, a corporation is prohibited from using bonuses or other means of reimbursing employees for their contributions. A connected organization may not pay additional compensation to its employees to enable them to make contributions to the SSF, federal candidates, and other political committees.
 Read next
            
          
            
          Types of contributions to the SSFHandling a questionable contribution to the SSFFundraising for an SSFRecording receipts 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 110.4(b)Contributions in the name of another 11 CFR 110.20Prohibition on contributions, donations, expenditures, independent expenditures, and disbursements by foreign nationals 11 CFR 114.2Prohibitions on contributions, expenditures and electioneering communications 11 CFR 114.5(b)Use of treasury monies 11 CFR 115.1 - 115.6Federal contractors
 Statutes 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(20)Definition of lawfully admitted for permanent residence 22 U.S.C. § 611(b)Definition of foreign principal
 Advisory opinions AO 2016-10U.S. citizen living abroad soliciting contributions to state and local party committees AO 2009-14Administration and naming of SSF by a domestic LLC that is affiliated with the SSF's connected corporation and has a foreign parent AO 2006-15Domestic subsidiaries of foreign corporation may donate to state and local elections AO 2000-17Use of corporate websites to provide PAC information and solicit contributions AO 1999-28Solicitation of restricted class of foreign parent corporation and its U.S. subsidiaries AO 1998-14Acceptance of contributions from residents of Pacific Island nations covered under Compact of Free Association AO 1997-19Donations by corporation and foundation to potential host committee of presidential convention AO 1995-15Foreign-owned subsidiary, earmarked contributions and payroll deductions AO 1986-41Trade association's plan to compensate employees who make contributions


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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