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        Fundraising for a separate segregated fund (SSF)
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      Solicitable class of trade association

Solicitable class of trade association Definition of trade association A trade association is defined as a membership organization of persons engaging in a similar or related line of commerce, organized to promote and improve business conditions in that line of commerce and not to engage in a regular business of a kind ordinarily carried on for profit, and no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any member.
 Access additional guidance for federations of trade associations
 Solicitable class Its restricted class for solicitation purposes includes: Noncorporate members (such as individuals and partnerships) of the association;The association’s executive and administrative personnel;Executive/administrative personnel and stockholders of member corporations (with prior approval); andThe families of all three groups. As with other membership organizations, members of a trade association must fit the definition of “member” in order to be in the solicitable class. Corporate members of trade associations As noted, a trade association or its SSF must receive prior approval from a member corporation in order to solicit that member’s restricted class. Assuming it fits the definition of a membership organization, a trade association may solicit its noncorporate members and its own executive and administrative personnel at any time. Parent and subsidiary member corporations If a parent corporation is a member of the trade association but its subsidiaries are not, then the trade association may solicit (with prior approval) the restricted class of only the parent. Likewise, if a subsidiary corporation is a member of the trade association but the parent is not, then the trade association may (with prior approval) solicit the restricted class of the subsidiary only; the parent’s restricted class is not solicitable. If both corporations are members, then both restricted classes are solicitable. Nonstock corporate member A trade association may (with prior approval) solicit the individual members of a member non-stock corporation. Moreover, in the case where a trade association is affiliated with a non-trade association membership organization, either organization may solicit contributions to its SSF from the members and owners and from executive and administrative personnel of the trade association’s incorporated members.
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          Who may be solicited for an SSF contributionWho is a memberPrior approval by corporate members of trade associationTrade association federationsCombined dues and solicitation statements From the FEC Record Trade association solicitations
 Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 114.1(e)(1)Definition of membership organization (includes trade association) 11 CFR 114.7(a) and (b)Restricted class of membership organization 11 CFR 114.7(e)Solicitation of executive and administrative association personnel 11 CFR 114.8(a)Definition of trade association 11 CFR 114.8(d)Separate and specific approval (prior approval) 11 CFR 114.8(f)Solicitation of a subsidiary corporation
 Advisory opinions AO 2005-17Membership organization/trade association affiliation and solicitation AO 2000-04Automatic deductions for credit union PAC AO 1999-16Solicitation of members of regional chapters of trade associations AO 1999-15Membership status of members of unincorporated unit of trade association


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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