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12. Finances & Fundraising - develop a phased budget, fund-raising plan, limits, disclosure, thanks

You will need a Treasurer. Their name will appear on much of the literature and, of course, the financial reports. The person who is treasurer doesn't have to be the one who does all of the work, but they need to be good with numbers, responsible, and with some experience in record keeping. It's good to have a Treasurer who has name recognition.

Your campaign needs to find out the rules for fundraising. Are there limits? What about receiving matching contributions from government if you follow campaign finance reform rules? What might be some self-imposed rules? Some examples:

Print ads can say, "Paid for by _____," (in some areas they must say this). Include your Treasurer's mailing address and phone number so people can easily respond with contributions, requests for information or to volunteer for your campaign from seeing the ad.

Have there been other progressive candidates in your area? If so, look at their financial disclosure forms. There will be lists of people who have contributed to that campaign. Maybe a letter from that candidate to his/her previous contributors would be a successful direct mail strategy.

Fundraising is done by selling buttons, organizing house parties, organizing larger fund-raising events, direct mail solicitation, potluck, raffles, organizational contributions, family contributions and other ways you can come up with that are legal!

Are there successful local fundraisers who would help your campaign?

Pasta or chili dinner fundraisers for $5 a person or $10 a family are affordable and easy to organize. This is a way to allow families to spend time together while supporting your campaign.

If you have any doubts about the legality or appropriate process for an expenditure, call the State Auditors Office in advance to seek counsel.

Make sure you turn in required financial reports in a timely manner. If you don't have all the required information, fill out what you can, call the State Auditors Office and let them know in advance about your circumstance. Ask them for the appropriate course of action. You may have to file an amended form and pay some penalties and/or interest.

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