The Difference Between NAAPAC and the Better Government Fund  

One of the most common questions NAAPAC receives from NAA members is “What’s the difference between the PAC and the Better Government Fund?”

NAAPAC contributions come directly from an individual’s personal account, whether it’s the individual’s personal checking, credit card, or cash up to $100. This money is used directly towards a candidate. Often times referred to as “hard money,” this donation is heavily regulated and monitored by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Better Government Fund (BGF) contributions can come from an individual’s personal account as well as corporate funds. Contributions to the BGF are unlimited and are not used directly towards a candidate. Corporate contributions are often referred to as “soft money.”

While NAAPAC disburses funds to candidates and members of Congress, the BGF is used to underwrite many of the activities to raise funds for NAAPAC. This includes the three national events during NAA meetings as well as events at the local level. These events are as varied as a luncheon to a wine tasting to a golf tournament.

Often times, companies that are unable to give their prior approval to NAAPAC will contribute to the BGF. This provides corporations the opportunity to participate in the political process through their soft money contributions.

	NAAPAC	BGF
Accepts an individual’s personal money from a personal checking account, credit card, or cash up to $100	Yes	Yes
Accepts partnership funds	Yes	Yes
Accepts corporate funds	No	Yes
Contributes to political candidates	Yes	No
Reports contributions and expenditures	Yes*	No
Required to designate a treasurer	Yes	No
Pays for communications to NAA members, including event invitations	No	Yes
Pays for events to raise money for NAAPAC	No	Yes**
Pays for prizes and raffles	No	Yes