A Stickler’s Guide to FEC Rules

Even though the biggest contest on the political calendar is barely behind us, the political atmosphere is anything but resolved. The fierce derision of the presidential election season is still very present, and donors on both sides of the aisle are stocking the war chests and preparing for battle. Playing into such an active political “debate” can be lucrative for your fundraising efforts, but as you leap into the fray, be sure to play by the rules. Here are the highlights to keep you out of prison and in line with FEC rules.

Donations to Candidates and Campaigns

FEC donation limits are considered on a yearly basis or per election. In one election cycle, a donor may give up to $2,700 to a candidate for national office. Any direct donations to a campaign fall under this limit.

Donations to Political Parties

In addition to donations to specific candidates or campaigns, a single donor may contribute up to $10,000 per calendar year to a state or local party committee, and up to $33,400 per calendar year to a national party committee.

Donations to PACs and Super PACs

Political action committees (PACs) can legally receive up to $10,000 per calendar year from individual donors. Super PACs, on the other hand, have no limitations on how much a single donor can give. The determining rules with Super PACs are more concerned with how the money is spent.

Keep up with contributions the easy way. Sign up for Raise The Money and accept donations online and via social media. The RTM software gives you helpful tools for filing with the FEC as well as state ethics commissions. Save time with pre-populated forms for all 50 states. Get started today with Raise The Money.