Committee fundraisers and merchandise sales

The entire amount paid to attend a political fundraiser or other political event or to purchase a fundraising item sold by a political committee is a contribution and counts against the individual’s contribution limit. For example, if a contributor pays $100 to buy a ticket to a fundraising dinner, the entire $100 is considered a contribution to the committee, even though the meal may have cost the committee $30. Similarly, if a contributor spends $20 to buy a campaign t-shirt that cost the campaign $5, the contributor has made a $20 contribution.

For more information on reporting the proceeds from sales, the Commission has helpful information for candidate committees, PACs and SSFs, and party committees available.