Frequently Asked Questions on Donation Limits

Important: This Q & A is intended only to be a general guide; it is not legal advice and is
not intended to be the definitive answer on any particular situation.

1. Is there a limit on how much money an individual may contribute to a candidate for
office in Philadelphia?

A: Yes.

2. What is the limit on contributions by individuals?

A: Individuals may not contribute more than $2,600 per year to a candidate for
any of the elected offices of the City government.

3. Is there a limit on contributions by political committees?

A: Yes.

4. What is the limit on contributions by political committees?

A: Political committees, including PACs, political parties, and the campaign
committee of a covered candidate, may not contribute more than $10,600 per year
to a candidate for any of the elected offices of the City government. This limit
also applies to contributions made by “person[s] other than individuals.”

5. What are the “elected offices of the City government” that the contribution limits apply
to?

A: The contribution limits apply to contributions made to candidates for primary,
general, and special elections for all elected offices of the City government,
including: Mayor; Members of City Council; District Attorney; City Controller;
Sheriff; Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions; City Commissioners; and Register
of Wills.

6. How is a “contribution” defined?

A: “Contribution” is defined in the law as “Money, gifts, forgiveness of debts,
loans, or things of monetary value incurred or received by a candidate or his/her
agent for use in advocating or influencing the election of the candidate.”

7. How is a “candidate” defined?

A: “Candidate” is defined as someone who has publicly declared candidacy or
filed nomination papers to run for one of the covered offices.

8. What about money raised by an individual before he or she becomes a “candidate?”

A: Once they become a “candidate” they are prohibited from spending any “precandidacy
” contributions to influence their election that exceed the contribution
limits that apply to “candidates.”

9. Are there any limits on a candidate’s contribution of his or her own money or resources
to his or her own campaign?

A: No.

10. Will the limits ever change under the law?

A: Yes. Beginning in 2008, and every four years thereafter, these limits will be
adjusted by application of a consumer price index multiplier. The limits listed in
the answers to question 2 and 4 in this FAQ are the adjusted limits for 2008.
They will not be adjusted again until 2012.

11. Are there any limits on the amount of money that a candidate may receive from
political committees in the aggregate?

A: Yes.

12. What are the limits on the amount of money that a candidate may receive from political
committees in years when there is no election for Mayor or City Council?

A: The limits vary, depending on the office:
• Mayoral candidates may receive $250,000 in total contributions
from political committees in each non-election year.
• Candidates for District Attorney and City Controller may receive
$100,000 in total contributions from political committees in each
non-election year.
• Candidates for the other City offices covered by the law (City
Council, Register of Wills, Sheriff, Clerk of Quarter Sessions and
City Commissioners), may receive $75,000 in total contributions
from political committees in each non-election year.

13. Are there rules about campaign committees and checking accounts for candidates?

A: Yes. Candidates are limited to one campaign committee and one checking
account for the City office sought. All contributions and expenditures for such
office must be made from this account. Funds collected in other political or nonpolitical
accounts may not be used for any campaign for municipal office.

14. How can the campaign contribution limits be enforced?

A: Any resident of the City may bring an action for injunctive relief to enjoin
violations of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions of Chapter 20-1000.