Contribution Limits

Know your limits!

The City’s Campaign Finance Law limits the amount of money individuals, political committees, and others can donate to a candidate for City Elective Office. The limits change every four years (next due for revision in 2024). State law places additional restrictions on the sources of political contributions.

Know how to handle contributions from...

Partnerships and sole proprietorships

To qualify for the $12,600 contribution limit, the finances of a sole proprietorship or partnership must be distinct and segregated from the personal finances of its proprietor or partners.

Example: Mr. Darcy is a partner in the Meryton Partnership. All of Mr. Darcy’s personal funds are distinct and segregated from the Meryton Partnership and his fellow partners. Under the Campaign Finance Law, Mr. Darcy can donate up to $3,100 to a City candidate for elective office. At the same time, the Meryton Partnership can donate up to $12,600 to the same candidate.

Corporations

State law prohibits corporations, union general funds, banks, and unincorporated associations from making contributions to any candidates running for office in Pennsylvania, including to any candidate for City elective office.

Corporations and unincorporated associations may make contributions to registered Independent Expenditure Committees. For more information please contact the Department of State or the City Commissioners Office.

Joint checking accounts

A contribution made by a check that reflects a joint checking account of two or more individuals shall be attributed to the joint account holder who signs the check. If more than one account holder signs a contribution check, the contribution shall be apportioned evenly between the signers.

Know the date of acceptance

The date of acceptance is the date that a contribution came into your campaign's possession. The date of acceptance of a contribution determines on which report(s) it must be disclosed and in which calendar year it counts toward the limit. Campaigns are prohibited from assigning a different date (i.e. you cannot pre- or post-date contributions).

Know the doubling rules

If a candidate contributes $250,000 or more of his or her personal resources, the contribution limits for all candidates for that office double. The limits remain doubled for that year and each year up to and including the year of the covered general election. Once the limits double, they remain doubled even if the candidate who triggered the doubling drops out or loses in a primary. Doubling cannot be reversed by the candidate returning, repaying, or refunding the contributions that triggered the doubling.

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