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      Noncampaign related expenses

Noncampaign related expenses Campaign funds may be used for the following purposes that are not related to the candidate’s campaign for federal office. To defray the ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with an individual’s duties as of a federal officeholder, such as: Travel expenses for a federal officeholder and his or her accompanying spouse and children, provided that the travel is undertaken to participate in a function that is directly connected to the officeholder’s bona fide official responsibilitiesWinding down costs of a federal officeholder’s office for a period of six months after leaving office. Ethics rules may apply. Donations to charities, defined in 26 U.S.C. § 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations of campaign funds to a charitable organization do not constitute the personal use of campaign funds unless the candidate (former or current) receives compensation from the donee organization before the organization has expended, for purposes unrelated to the candidate’s personal benefit, the entire amount donated by the campaign. Unlimited transfers to any national, state or local party committee. Donations to state and local candidates, subject to the provisions of state law. Any other lawful purpose, unless expressly prohibited by the Federal Election Campaign Act.
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          Making contributions to other candidatesSupporting tax-exempt organizationsFundraising for other candidates, committees and organizationsPersonal useWinding down a campaign From the FEC Record Using campaign funds for congressional transition expenses
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 Legal citations Statutes 52 U.S.C. § 30114(a)(5) and (6)Use of contributed amounts for certain purposes – permitted uses
 Regulations 11 CFR 113.1(g)(2)Personal use–charitable donations 11 CFR 113.2Permissible noncampaign use of funds
 Advisory opinions AO 2017-07Use of campaign funds for residential security upgrades AO 2011-07, AO 2011-05 and AO 2009-08Use of campaign funds for home security system AO 2010-06Use by retiring House member of campaign funds for storage expenses in preparation for move to home State AO 2005-09Use of campaign funds to pay travel expenses of a federal officeholder’s minor children AO 2005-06Former officeholder’s donation of remaining campaign funds to charity AO 2004-22Unlimited transfers to state party committee AO 2000-37Use of campaign funds to purchase and present Liberty Medals AO 1997-02Use of campaign funds for congressional retreat fees and travel AO 1996-45Use of campaign funds AO 1996-44Use of campaign funds for district office move AO 1996-14Use of excess campaign funds for moving expenses


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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