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Introduction

Thank you for your leadership in the Wisconsin Hospitals PAC & Conduit and for considering to launch your own fundraising campaign. We look forward to partnering with you in this effort to strengthen Wisconsin Hospitals’ support of candidates who value high-quality health care in Wisconsin.

Whether you want to host an event (in-person or virtual) or reach out person-to-person this toolkit has the information, tips, and resources you need to garner support, coming together to elect candidates who understand our Wisconsin hospital issues.

This packet contains the following information:

• An overview of the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit, their purpose, and the difference between the two vehicles.

• A summary of fundraising restrictions that are unique to hospitals in accordance to IRS, 501(c)(3) regulations.

• Seven Steps to Successful Fundraising, tips for ensuring a successful fundraising campaign.

• Information and tools to support your fundraising efforts.

Lastly, please note we are available to support your efforts every step of the way. No matter the approach, we can help get it done. That includes, mailings, follow-up communication, event planning, and tracking. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like support in your launch, do not hesitate to contact either of us.

Thank you,

Kari Hofer Vice President, External Affairs

Wisconsin Hospital Association

608-268-1816

khofer@wha.org

Nora Statsick Political Affairs Consultant

Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit

608-239-4535

nstatsick@wha.org

WHYSUPPORT

Decisions made by our elected officials impact patients, families, and hospitals.

Working together, hospital and health system leaders and employees can help elect lawmakers who will guide policy conversations that affect the health of Wisconsinites across the state.

The Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit are vehicles created by the Wisconsin Hospital Association to enable individuals to join together to contribute dollars to support candidates for state office - whether Democrat or Republican - who understand and value hospitals and their impact to the communities they serve. WH State PAC & Conduit is the cornerstone of hospital advocacy that amplifies the voice of our community.

WHStatePAC&ConduitFAQs

What are the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit?

The Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit are vehicles through which individuals who care about their hospitals and want to sow the seeds now for future legislative successes in Wisconsin's Capitol can contribute dollars to support candidate campaigns.

Why should I care about the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit?

Our elected officials in Wisconsin's Capitol make decisions that affect the quality, cost, and availability of health care in Wisconsin hospitals. Electing well-informed, knowledgeable officials helps drive positive health care policy in Wisconsin in the future. Candidates need contributions from civic-minded and knowledgeable citizens like you to help get their messages to the voters and to run an issues-oriented campaign. Contributing to the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit can help elect individuals to state office who understand the role of hospitals in their communities.

Who may contribute to the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit?

Anyone! This includes hospital executives, senior managers, medical staff, nurses, trustees, volunteers, and anyone who wants to join together to help support candidates for state office - whether Democrat or Republican - who understand and value hospitals and their impact to the communities they serve.

How much can I give to a particular candidate?

The limits vary. For a state Representative - $1,000 per two year term; for a state Senator - $2,000 per four year term; for a Governor - $20,000 per four year term. For a complete list of contribution limits, contact Nora Statsick at 608-239-4535.

Are there any reporting requirements for me?

WHA will file all state required reports for all contributions to candidates and committees made from the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC or your Wisconsin Hospitals Conduit account. The state requires PACs and Conduit to include in their reports certain contributor information (e.g., name, address, employer, title). You will be asked to provide that information with your contribution.

What can I do to promote the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit?

Individuals are encouraged to contribute to the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit, and to individually encourage others to contribute as well. While individuals may undertake fundraising for the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit, state and federal regulations prohibit not-for-profit hospitals from engaging in political fundraising activities. Be sure to read “Seven Steps to Successful Fundraising” and “Fundraising Restrictions” in this toolkit before you begin your individual fundraising efforts.

TWOWAYSTOPARTICIPATE

Wisconsin Hospitals PAC vs. Wisconsin Hospitals Conduit

Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC

A PAC is a vehicle to which individuals can make voluntary political contributions. Contributions to a PAC are pooled together to support the campaigns of candidates who understand Wisconsin hospitals.

Wisconsin Hospitals Conduit

A conduit is another vehicle through which individuals can make voluntary political contributions. Unlike a PAC, individuals who contribute to a conduit account retain control over which candidates receive those dollars. Once an individual has money in his/her conduit account, the individual can then contribute those dollars to candidates and committees of his/her choice.

• No decisions to make, just contribute and support the cause.

• Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC decides which candidates and committees to collectively support.

• Contributions are not personally identified in the contribution to the candidate campaign.

• YOU decide where your money goes.

• You receive 100% recognition for your contribution from the candidate or committee.

• Wisconsin Hospitals, as the industry, also receives recognition.

Candidates Who Value Hospitals

Wisconsin Hospitals Conduit

Wisconsin Hospitals PAC

PoliticalContributionsMadeSimple!

To simplify the contribution process, you can make a single contribution to your personal conduit account and authorize some or all of your contribution to go to the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC. For contributions under $250, we suggest designating 100% and for those $250 or more we suggest designating 25% of your contribution to the PAC.

Remember: Contributions can be submitted securely online with a credit card at www.whconduit.com.

OURCONTRIBUTORS

**See the list of last year’s contributors in the 2024 Annual Report, in the “Sample Materials” section.

How much should I contribute?

Suggested contribution levels are listed below. These are only suggestions; all contributions are gratefully accepted.

• $50 $499 for Staff and Volunteers

• $500 $999 for Managers and Directors

• $1,000 $1,499 for Executives

• $1,500 and up for CEOs and other Leaders

 Contributors at this level become Donor Club Members and receive a premium gift and invitations to member events.

Set-up a Recurring Contribution

Individuals can choose to spread out their annual contribution by setting up a recurring weekly, monthly, or quarterly contribution. Recurring contributions can easily be stopped and restarted. About 25% of contributors participate with a recurring contribution.

For example:

SevenStepstoSuccessfulFundraising

Individual leaders must take the initiative to ensure a successful fundraising year for the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit. Following these steps will help.

1. Lead by Example. Show your support and commitment by making your personal contribution early to the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC and/or Wisconsin Hospitals Conduit. www.whconduit.com.

2. Set your goal. Your goal will be specific to what you are able to do. There are many factors that play into setting your goal, such as past giving, size, and outreach capacity.

3. Assemble your list. Start with past supporters, they know the drill. Next, target new donors who are likely to get involved.

4. Understand the fundraising restrictions. Remember the use of hospital resources to support political campaign activities, including political fundraising, is prohibited. See the primer on the following page for help.

5. Develop a personal strategy. A customized approach, whether it be sending out letters or hosting an event, will make all the difference. You know your audience. Speak to them in a way they will best receive the message.

6. Create a timeline. Planning out your fundraising efforts will make sure everything is on track and goals are met in time to use the funds usefully.

7. Execute and follow up. Fundraising is not rocket science, it’s about persistence. You don’t know if they’ll give unless you ask.

RULESOFTHEROAD

Hospitalsareprohibitedfromparticipatinginpoliticalcampaigns…

…Butindividuals,intheirindividualcapacity, canparticipateinpoliticalcampaigns .

A hospital CEO or other leadership may participate in the WH State PAC & Conduit fundraising drive and activities by:

 Making personal contributions.

 Informing the hospital board of directors, medical staff and administrative/management staff during non -business hours, and using personal phone or e-mail, that WH State PAC & Conduit is worthy of their support. WH State PAC & Conduit materials may be distributed at this time.

 Distributing WH State PAC & Conduit PAC materials by mail using WH State PAC & Conduit letterhead, envelopes and postage.

 Attending WH State PAC & Conduit-sponsored activities and events during personal time.

 Solicitor should use personal or WH State PAC & Conduit stationery, personal cell or home phones, and personal e-mails. The use of hospital e-mail, phone systems, time, supplies, letterhead or stationery is not permitted for solicitation purposes.

 Use of hospital facilities, except to the extent that other private organizations have access to similar use, is not permitted. For example, if a room at the hospital is available for public use, it is permissible to hold a WH State PAC & Conduit meeting in that room, but not during employees’ work hours.

 Do not make WH State PAC & Conduit solicitations an agenda item for official staff meetings or other hospital functions.

 Do not make WH State PAC & Conduit participation part of an individual’s job responsibilities, and do not suggest that WH State PAC & Conduit contributions are tied to performance evaluations or responsibilities. WH State PAC & Conduit participation either as a coordinator or a donor is completely voluntary.

 Keep the lines clear between actions taken as a non-profit hospital leader, and WH State PAC & Conduit activities. They must be completely separate.

The IRS also has a website for 501(c)(3) charities that provides guidance and FAQs regarding the prohibition on political campaign activity. That website is: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/the-restriction-of-political-campaign-intervention-by-section-501c3-tax-exemptorganizations

Although the IRS 501(c)(3) restrictions do not apply to for-profit health care organizations, various state and federal campaign financing regulations may

GETSTARTED

You’ve decided to launch a fundraising campaign for the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit great! This toolkit is your resource designed to walk you through the process.

To begin, decide: Do you want to send a letter/email or host an event?

Send a letter or Email:

Sending a letter is quick way to reach out to a large group of people, especially if they are spread out across the state.

 Use the letter template provided as a starting point, personalize before sending.

 Include a copy of the WI PAC & Conduit brochure.

 Be sure to include the link or QR code for submitting contributions online: www.whconduit.com

 Mail yourself OR send the components to us and we’ll compile, stuff, and mail for you!

Host an Event (In-person or Virtual):

Hosting an event is a great way to educate those new to political giving on the program and the importance of participating.

Events are held outside of business hours, such as 5:00 6:30 PM at a venue or private residence or via MS Teams, if virtual. WHA Staff facilitate the event with a presentation on the PAC & Conduit, explain the differences between the two and make the pitch for why it’s important to participate.

 Work with WHA Staff to pick a date, give at least two weeks lead time for planning.

 Tell people about the event.

 Let WHA Staff handle the rest invites, follow-up, logistics, etc.

Let Us Do The Work

We are not only your resource, but also your assistant in this effort.

Contact Kari Hofer at 608-268-1816 or khofer@wha.org to guide you through the process and help you every step of the way.

MaterialsEnclosed

Please find the following sample campaign materials enclosed. We will work with you to both determine which materials will fork best for your campaign, but will also work with you to customize the materials to your preference.

1. Sample Fundraising Letter

2. Sample Fundraising Event Invitation

3. Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit Brochure (tri-fold)

4. “Why is it important to engage” - One pager

5. 2024 Annual Report

6. Contribution Form

7. WH Conduit Disbursement Instructions

NEEDMORE?

If you would like additional copies of these materials or you would like to have the materials in digital formats, we’d be happy to send to you.

CONTACTS

Kari Hofer Vice President, External Affairs