Candidate contributions
When candidates use their personal funds for campaign purposes, they are making contributions to their campaigns. Unlike other contributions, candidate contributions are not subject to any limits. They must, however, be reported.
Note: Receipts that are intended as contributions (rather than loans) from the candidate may not later be converted into loans. Receipts intended as loans are disclosed on Line 13(a) or 13(b) of Form 3.
Reporting on candidate forms
House and Senate committees report contributions received from the candidate on Form 3, Line 11(d). A contribution from the candidate is itemized on Schedule A, supporting Line 11(d), when it:
- Exceeds $200 or
- Aggregates over $200 when added to other contributions received from the candidate during the election cycle.
To itemize a candidate contribution, the committee discloses:
- The candidate’s name
- Mailing address
- Employer
- Occupation
- Election to which a contribution was designated (indicated by checking “primary,” “general,” or “other” in the election designation box)
- Date of receipt
- Amount of receipt
- Aggregate election-cycle-to-date total of all receipts from the candidate
The committee reports the candidate contribution, in this case from Martha Washington, on Schedule A, supporting Line 11(d). It includes the candidate’s name, mailing address, employer, and occupation. It also includes the date of receipt, amount of receipt, election designation and aggregate election cycle-to-date total for the contributor.
Reporting with FECFile
To enter a contribution from the candidate, go to the Summary Page tab, right click on “Line 11(d) Contributions from the candidate” and select ”new.”
