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      Types of contributions to nonconnected PACs

Types of contributions to nonconnected PACs A contribution is anything of value given to influence a federal election. The most common types of contributions are: Gifts of money;Gifts of goods and services (“in-kind contributions”); andLoans and guarantees or endorsements of loans. Cash contributions are limited to $100 or less. Contributions exceeding $100 must be made by check or other written instrument.
 In-kind contributions Definition In-kind contributions include: Goods and services offered free of charge (other than volunteer activity).Goods and services offered at less than the usual and normal charge. (Discounts are not contributions, however, if they are offered in the ordinary course of business to both political and nonpolitical clients.)Payments by a third party for goods and services rendered to a candidate or political committee.Advances of personal funds. Value The dollar value of an in-kind contribution is subject to limits and must be reported. The value of a particular in-kind gift is determined as follows: Goods (such as equipment, supplies, facilities and mailing lists) are valued at their normal purchase or rental price.Services (such as advertising, printing or consulting) are valued at the prevailing commercial rate at the time the services are rendered (that is, the amount that was paid or would have been paid for the services).Discounts are valued at the amount discounted (that is, the difference between the usual or normal charge and the amount paid by the committee).
 Proceeds from fundraisers and sales The entire amount paid to attend a political fundraiser or to purchase a fundraising item from a committee is a contribution. The amount of the contribution is not affected if a portion of the money was used to defray the expenses of the fundraising program.
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        Proceeds from sales
 Credit cards Individuals may contribute to a PAC using credit cards.
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          Contribution limitsWho can and can't contribute to a nonconnected PACFundraising for the PACAdvances of personal funds for nonconnected PAC expenses From the FEC Record Lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold increases (2023)
 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 100.53Attendance at a fundraiser or political event 11 CFR 110.4(c)Contributions in the name of another; cash contributions 11 CFR 116.3xtensions of credit by commercial vendors
 Advisory opinions AO 1989-14Restaurant's method of charging political customers AO 1987-24Incorporated hotel chain's provision of complimentary items to federal candidates AO 1986-22Rebates offered by TV stations (Rationale modified by AO 1988-17.) AO 1985-28Candidate's fundraising rebates from corporation AO 1978-68Contributions by credit card (Partially superseded by AO 1990-04.)


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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