WRA Direct Giver (Conduit) Program Overview

The WRA direct giver program, or conduit program as referred to under state law, provides an alternative to an RPAC investment for members who:

1. Wish to retain full control and direction over who will receive their political contributions.
2. Wish to give personal contributions to candidates for local and state elections and at the same time benefit organized real estate and the WRA.

Direct Giver Process

Solicitations: Solicitations for Direct Giver contributions are made in the same fashion as RPAC investments. The minimum contribution to the Direct Giver Program is $100.

Checks: Checks must be made to The WRA Direct Giver Program rather than RPAC. Local boards transmit Direct Giver contributions to the WRA in the same manner and at the same time as RPAC investments, but use as separate Direct Giver Transmittal Form.

Control: Contributions to the Direct Giver Program are deposited into a separate bank account from RPAC investments. Structurally, the WRA then acts like a bank, with disbursements permitted only with the explicit authorization of the contributor. That is, Direct Giver contributor retains full control on how their contribution is spent.

Directing contributions: Contributors may at any time direct their contributions, in whole or in part, to any candidate for local, state or federal office (Wisconsin congressional candidates only). When disbursing funds, contributors can write or call the WRA to indicate how they wish their money to be distributed.

Recommendations for disbursements: Recommendations for disbursement of Direct Giver funds can be made to contributors by the WRA Direct Giver Trustees, but contributors are free to agree or disagree with those recommendations.

Legalities

Direct giver contributions treated like personal contributions: Direct Giver/conduit contributions are treated by Wisconsin campaign finance laws as individual, personal contributions. Contributions thus do not count against other PAC limitations under the law (for example either against RPAC investments to candidates or candidate limits on total PAC receipts). Individuals may contribute to either RPAC or the Direct Giver Program or both.

Conduit report form: The WRA must file a Conduit Report, similar to a PAC report, with the State Elections Board at prescribed times during the year. This report delineates the names of candidates receiving Direct Giver expenditures and the amounts they received. (WRA staff responsibility.)

Contributions

Can I see my Direct Giver balance online? Yes, visit Direct Giver History. You will be asked to log in.

Can I request a disbursement from my Direct Giver account? Yes, email Sandy at sandyb@wra.org with the candidate or committee name, address and amount to be disbursed.