One of the ways we protect the franchise business model is to give to candidates and politicians that understand the small business issues and structure of franchising. The IFA has a political action committee called FranPAC that gathers contributions from IFA members and uses those contributions to support franchising-friendly candidates.
FranPAC FAQs
What is FranPAC?
FranPAC is the political action committee (PAC) for the International Franchise Association. FranPAC supports pro-franchise, pro-business candidates for federal political office who promote and enhance franchising.
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A political action committee is the means by which a corporation can combine individual contributions to political candidates whose views toward business and government are aligned with those of the corporation or trade association that has started the PAC. Because direct contributions from corporations and trade associations are prohibited, this is the only way to pool the resources of members and/or employees in support of political candidates. PACs were created under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), which was enacted in the 1970s.
Why does IFA need FranPAC?
Federal law prohibits corporate contributions to candidates for the U.S. House and U.S. Senate (state laws vary). IFA may not use membership dues or other IFA revenue to help support quality candidates. Your personal contribution to FranPAC creates IFA's only opportunity to provide financial support to pro-franchise, pro-business political candidates.
IFA also needs FranPAC to compete with large PACs of big labor, trial attorneys and other organizations that contribute millions of dollars annually to support candidates who promote more government regulation and laws that will lead to additional legal liability for small businesses.
Why doesn't IFA use its own money for political contributions?
Federal election laws prohibit corporate contributions to candidates for federal office (U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives). IFA is barred from using membership dues or other revenue to support federal candidates.
Why should I support FranPAC?
If you're in business, you're in politics. If we do not have the funds to help elect pro-business, pro-franchising candidates to Congress, our fate will be in the hands of big labor, trial attorneys, and other special interest groups who do not share our views when it comes to legislation and regulation. FranPAC helps us build relationships with pro-franchise candidates and raises the profile of IFA on Capitol Hill. It also allows us to promote franchising more widely, and to educate Congress about the importance of franchising to our economy.
How are contributions to candidates decided?
FranPAC disbursements are decided through a questionnaire, recommendations from IFA members, and a voting scorecard system. IFA and FranPAC support candidates who embrace a free enterprise, free market economy; a commonsense, limited approach to government regulation of small businesses; and a commitment to franchising and the small business community. FranPAC is governed by an internal board, which is composed of members of the IFA Board of Directors, Legislative Action Group, and IFA staff.
Who may contribute to FranPAC?
All executive and administrative personnel of the member corporations of IFA may contribute to FranPAC after Prior Approval is obtained for a given calendar year. Because IFA is a trade association, member companies must sign, and IFA must receive, the prior approval form from a member company BEFORE we are allowed to recruit membership for FranPAC. Contributions MUST be personal, not corporate. Federal law permits individuals to contribute $5000 each calendar year.
How much should I give to FranPAC?
If your business and the franchise business model are important to you, your family, your employees and your community, you should contribute as much as possible to FranPAC. Contributions cannot exceed $5000 annually per individual. There are five suggested contribution levels on the enrollment form: the Cabinet Club, the Congress Club, the Chairman's Club, the 365 Club, and the Dollar-a-Week Club.
How much of my contribution actually goes to federal candidates?
100 percent. Every dollar raised through FranPAC is used to support pro-franchise, pro-business campaigns of candidates for federal office. Though IFA is prohibited from contributing to federal candidates, it is allowed to provide the administrative support required to establish and run a political action committee.
Why can't I simply send a check directly to the candidates I want to support?
You are free to participate directly in the political process, and we encourage you to do so. However, by combining your contribution with those from 100s of other IFA members, FranPAC increases the impact of your individual donation. Just as important, it sends a strong, clear message about what matters to members of the franchising community.
How much can I contribute to FranPAC?
Under federal law, an individual can contribute up to $5000 to FranPAC each year. Other corporate or association PACs may also contribute up to $5000 to FranPAC each year.
Can I deduct my PAC contribution on my taxes?
No. PAC contributions are not tax deductible, since they are political contributions.
How often can I make contributions to FranPAC?
You can make as many contributions to FranPAC as you like each year, as long as the total does not exceed $5000 in one calendar year.
Will my FranPAC contribution be publicly disclosed?
All receipts to and disbursements from FranPAC will be disclosed to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in accordance with federal law. Contributions of $200 or more in one year will be publicly disclosed.
How do I learn more about FranPAC?
Before you can contribute to FranPAC, or get more information, the Federal Election Commission requires that we receive your permission in writing, by signing the
prior approval form (It's simple and won't take more than a few minutes).
Who can I contact with more questions?
Please contact Anna Russel at
[email protected] or
240-575-4211 for more information.
