Individual Donations to Political Parties

Individual donations are primarily used to fund political campaigns, including advertising, rallies, and other campaign-related expenses.

Direct contributions, which are donations made directly to a candidate or political party, are subject to the lowest contribution limits.

The maximum amount an individual can donate to a candidate for federal office in a single election cycle is $2,900.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws.

Bundling is the practice of individuals donating to a political party through a conduit, such as a political action committee (PAC).

In-kind contributions, which are donations of goods or services rather than money, are not subject to contribution limits.

Soft money is the practice of individuals donating to a political party through a loophole in campaign finance laws.

Bundled contributions, which are donations made by a group of individuals through a single conduit, are subject to the highest contribution limits.

Super PAC contributions are donations made by individuals to a super PAC, which is a type of political action committee that is not subject to contribution limits.

Direct contributions are subject to the strictest reporting requirements, including the disclosure of the donor's name, address, and occupation.

527 contributions are donations made by individuals to a 527 organization, which is a type of political organization that is not subject to contribution limits.

In-kind contributions are subject to the lowest reporting requirements, including the disclosure of the donor's name and address.

Joint fundraising contributions are donations made by individuals to a joint fundraising committee, which is a type of political committee that is formed by two or more candidates or political parties.

Bundled contributions are subject to the highest reporting requirements, including the disclosure of the donor's name, address, occupation, and the conduit through which the donation was made.