How to Make Political Contributions
When you have found a political candidate, cause or party you strongly support, the next step many people take is making a political contribution. If you have the money and the desire, donating money is a good way to get more involved in politics, but you'll need to know some basic rules.
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Instructions
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Learn the types of contributions you can make. You can donate money or make an in-kind contribution. An in-kind contribution is any non-cash contribution, such as goods or services. In-kind contributions are subject to contribution limits based on their fair-market value.
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Know the limits on political contributions. Individuals are limited to giving $2300 to any one candidate per election, $28,000 to any one political party per year, $10,000 to any one state or local party committee per year and $5000 to any one Political Action Committee per year. Limits also apply to the total amount individuals can give overall, however you do not have to worry about this limit unless you plan to make more than $40,000 in contributions. For more information, visit OpenSecrets.org, click on "The Basics" and then "Campaign Finance Law."
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Decide which candidates or groups you want to contribute to.
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Go to the candidate, party or group's website for contribution directions. Most candidates accept contributions via credit card on their website. Some may also accept contributions by mail. To contribute to the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, go to their official website. Links to contribution information are displayed prominently on the main page.
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Spread your payments out to make them more financially bearable. You may donate to a candidate repeatedly as long as you stay within the total limits imposed. Many candidates offer the option of charging your credit card a certain amount once a month.
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Tips & Warnings
A primary campaign and a general election campaign are considered two different elections and therefore campaign finance law allows you to donate $2300 to a candidate in both the primary election and the general election. Contributions to parties and groups are limited by year not by election, so this only applies to candidates.
