IFAPAC is a separate fund that supports the campaigns of candidates for elective office who understand and influence issues important to insurance agents and financial advisors. IFAPAC’s goal is to advance the legislative and regulatory interests of the association members on the local, state and national levels. Association dues income may not be used to support candidates.
NAIFA created IFAPAC because elected officials make decisions that affect the business of NAIFA members every day. Laws governing federal, and, most state elections prevent member associations from contributing to candidate campaign committees from general dues money. However, the law does permit NAIFA to sponsor a PAC through which association members may make personal contributions in concert with their colleagues and business associates. APAC is the best vehicle for directing contributions to candidates deemed to be responsive to the needs and interests of NAIFA members and their clients.
Federal law prohibits corporate contributions to candidates for congressional office (state laws vary). NAIFA may not use membership dues or other NAIFA revenue to help support quality candidates. Your personal contribution to IFAPAC creates NAIFA’s only opportunity to provide financial support to pro-industry political candidates. The PAC exists to protect the interests of the financial advisors and insurance professionals.
NAIFA also needs IFAPAC to compete with the larger PACs that contribute millions of dollars annually to promote more government regulation and laws that will lead to additional legal liabilities.
Any U.S. citizen can contribute to IFAPAC, however, only members of the Insurance and Financial Advisors associations may be solicited to do so. Contributions to the political fund must be personal, not corporate. Contributions must be voluntary.
Credibility – IFAPAC gives NAIFA members political credibility. Lawmakers are held accountable for their actions and IFAPAC gives agents and advisors a way to either support them or withhold support.
Of over 4,600 political action committees (PACs) registered with the Federal Election Commission, the National IFAPAC (NAIFAPAC) ranks in the top 1 percent. In the last election cycle, NAIFAPAC contributed over $2 million to federal candidates and committees. Since contributions to IFAPAC are shared between the national and the state IFAPACs, an additional $1.5 million was available for state races.
The minimum annual contribution for individual recognition is $100 (Century Club). The highest level of annual giving to the political fund is $5,000 (Capitol Club).
Individuals may contribute monthly via personal credit card (at $25 or higher) or checking account (at $10.00 or higher). They may contribute annually from their personal VISA, American Express, Discover or MasterCard or personal checking account. NAIFA members can also contribute via personal credit card on-line by going to www.naifa.org/ifapac.
Yes! Bank drafts help reduce administrative costs and allow IFAPAC to have funds available throughout the year. Individuals can give as little as $10.00 per month on bank draft and, donors will be Century Club contributors. Bank draft transactions are done on or about the 10th of every month. It generally takes 2 business days to reach an individual’s account for withdrawal. For a new enrollment submitted after the 10th of the month, IFAPAC will begin the first draft on or about the 25th of the month, with subsequent withdrawals on or about the 10th.
As soon as your first monthly draft is successfully drawn.
Call, fax, email or write the National IFAPAC office.
Yes, at $25 a month or higher. Charges will be made on the 20th of the month.
Yes! The candidate evaluation and support processes go on all the time. PACs that have the resources to make contributions when candidates need them most are highly visible in the political arena. IFAPAC occasionally makes debt-retirement contributions following elections and many states hold elections in odd-numbered years.
No. “Earmarking” of individual contributions is prohibited. However, IFAPAC invites input regarding disbursements from all its contributors. NAIFAPAC has a special Candidate Questionnaire that should be used. Members should also communicate their preferences to their state and local IFAPAC chairs, who, in turn, should relay these recommendations to the National IFAPAC office.
No. Congress eliminated the tax credit for all political contributions many years ago.
On the national level, contributions are determined by a Candidate Selection Group, which is made up of ten NAIFA members appointed by the Executive Committee of NAIFA. On the state level, contributions to candidates are made via a similar volunteer committee process. In addition, input from state and local association officers and contributors is vital to IFAPAC’s ability to make informed decisions regarding which candidates should receive campaign support.
The fastest way to send a contribution to IFAPAC is to contribute online at www.naifa.org/ifapac. Checks and credit card contributions can be mailed to the bank lockbox at: IFAPAC; PO Box 200722; Pittsburgh, PA 15251-0722. Bank draft enrollments, changes and upgrades should be sent directly to IFAPAC; 2901 Telestar Court; Falls Church, VA 22042, or by email to ifapac@naifa.org, or via fax 703-770-8151.
