Soft Money

Definition

Soft money refers to contributions made to political parties instead of specific candidates. These funds can be used for party-building activities but not directly on behalf of an individual candidate.

Related terms

527 Organizations: Named after a section of the U.S tax code, these groups are tax-exempt organizations created primarily to influence the selection, nomination, election, appointment or defeat of candidates for public office.

Issue Advocacy Ads: Communications intended to bring a problem to light without advocating legislative action or supporting/opposing any particular candidate.

Party Platform: The formal set of principal goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate.