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        Fundraising for a separate segregated fund (SSF)
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      Notices required on SSF solicitations

Notices required on SSF solicitations Certain notices are required on all solicitations (oral or written) undertaken by the SSF or individuals working on behalf of the SSF, as outlined. Statement of political purpose Each time the SSF or the connected organization solicits individuals for contributions, the solicitees must be informed of the SSF’s political purpose. For example, in advisory opinion (AO) 2006-17, the Commission approved a statement that noted that the SSF was "for the benefit of political candidates and activities on a state and national level" that supported the industry of the connected organization. Statement of right to refuse to contribute Along with the political purpose of the SSF, each solicitation must inform solicitees of their right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Note that it is not sufficient merely to say that a contribution to the SSF is "voluntary." Suggesting a contribution amount An SSF or connected organization may wish to suggest to a potential contributor that he or she give a specified amount. When making such a suggestion, the solicitation must also say that: The suggested amount is only a suggestion and is not enforceable;More or less than the suggested amount may be given (no minimum contribution can be specified); andThe amount given by the contributor, or the refusal to give, will not benefit or disadvantage the person being solicited. SSFs and their connected organizations may offer premiums or other incentives to contributors who give specified minimum amounts.
 Learn more about raising funds for SSFs via events and promotions
 "Best efforts" rules When making solicitations, SSFs and their treasurers must make "best efforts” to obtain and report the name, address, occupation and employer of each contributor who gives more than $200 in a calendar year. In order to show that the committee has made “best efforts,” solicitations must specifically request that information and inform contributors that the committee is required by law to make its best efforts to obtain and report it.
 Learn about making best efforts and other rules for recording receipts
 IRS notice requirements Section 6113 of the Internal Revenue Code requires political committees whose gross annual receipts normally exceed $100,000 to include a special notice on their solicitations to inform solicitees that contributions are not tax deductible. There are substantial penalties for failure to comply with this provision.
 Contact the IRS for more information on this requirement
 "Paid for by" disclaimer not required Because SSF solicitations are directed to a restricted class, and not to the general public, they do not need to carry a disclaimer notice concerning who paid for the solicitation and whether it was authorized by a candidate.
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          What is and is not a solicitationWho may be solicited for an SSF contributionWritten solicitations for the SSFOnline solicitations Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 110.11(f)(2)"Paid for by" disclaimer not required on SSF solicitations 11 CFR 104.7Best efforts 11 CFR 114.5(a)(2) - (5)Required notices on all SSF solicitations
 Advisory opinions AO 2006-17Cooperative's solicitation of its executive and administrative personnel and its members AO 2003-06Transfer of payroll deduction authority from subsidiary to parent corporation's PAC AO 1998-19Solicitation of credit union member for PAC of federation of credit union trade associations AO 1997-25Affiliation of corporate SSFs after reorganization


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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