C. Contribution Exceptions There are many exceptions to the definition of “contribution.” In addition to the most common exceptions listed below, Chapter 6 discusses certain types of communications that are not considered contributions. Volunteer Personal Services: If an individual donates their personal or professional services to a campaign (including a volunteer’s travel expenses), no contribution has been made or received as long as there is no understanding of reimbursement. However, if an employer donates employee services to a campaign, and any employee spends more than 10 percent of their compensated time in a calendar month performing campaign activity for one or more campaigns, the employer has made a nonmonetary contribution to the committee. Determine the contribution amount by allocating the gross salary to the time spent on campaign activity. See “Employee Time” later in this chapter for additional information. Home/Office Fundraisers: If a person, other than a lobbyist (or a cohabitant of a lobbyist) or lobbying firm, holds a fundraiser or other campaign event in their home or office, the costs incurred by the occupant of the home or office need not be reported as long as the total cost of the event is $500 or less. However, if someone else donates food, beverages, or anything else of value to the event, the fair market value of those donated goods is a nonmonetary contribution. In addition, the donated goods must be counted to determine whether the total cost of the event is $500 or less.
QUICK TIP: For the home/office fundraiser contribution exception to apply, the total cost of the event must be $500 or less no matter how many candidates or committees benefit from the event.
Fair Political Practices Commission advice@fppc.ca.gov
Chapter 4.5
Campaign Manual 2 August 2023 Page 193
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