CAP-PAC participation is restricted to NCAF Members. This page is for NCAF Members Only.
A Political Action Committee, or “PAC” is a powerful tool for professional lobbying efforts. PACs allow groups with specific goals and priorities to affect their political future by making contributions to those running for elected office. The National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) receives a lot of requests to contribute to Congressional campaigns. In many instances, invitations to fundraising events come from members of Congress who hold important positions on key committees. Attending these events can be a great opportunity to meet and engage with members. By law, the NCAF may not directly make political contributions, nor may individual Community Action Associations, or CAA State and Regional Associations. CAP-PAC was established to give employees, volunteers, and leadership of CAAs the legal means to participate in the American political process. Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations state that:
- Organizations may not contribute to CAP-PAC. If a person in an organization collects or combines contributions on behalf of individuals, you must include a letter stating the fact and providing a list of all individuals who contribute and the specific amount contributed.
- Cash contributions are discouraged because extensive written document would be required. A personal check is the preferred method. The name and address of the individual must be recorded and checks must be made payable to CAP-PAC. A check made out to NCAF cannot go into the CAP-PAC account.
- The name and address of any individual contributing more than $200 in a calendar year must be reported to the FEC by CAP-PAC.
- CAAs will not lose NCAF representation or services if they do not participate in CAP-PAC or do not sign either or both parts of the form. Signing the form only places an agency on the CAP-PAC mailing list.
- Contributions to CAP-PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
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