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
Senior Vice President, External Affairs & Member Engagement
Wisconsin Hospital Association
608-268-1816 khofer@wha.org
Political Affairs Consultant
Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit
608-239-4535 nstatsick@wha.org
NORA STATSICK
Why Support?
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.
Wisconsin Hospitals State
PAC & Conduit
Why is it important to engage?
The Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit has been a leader in electing candidates who value hospitals and health systems.
$630k Disbursed to candidates last election cycle 81%
Success rate, giving to winning candidates
#1
Top conduit, disbursed most funds to state and federal candidates last cycle
Participating in the political process is important to protect high-quality, high-value health care.
WH State PAC & Conduit supports candidates who understand the important role Wisconsin hospitals and health systems have, both as leaders in care delivery and as essential employers within the communities they serve.
WH State PAC & Conduit is bipartisan, supporting candidates who value hospitals and health systems, regardless of their party.
Many interest groups from all industries participate in the political process and supporters of hospitals and health systems need to as well.
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)? What is a Conduit?
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)? What is a Conduit?
The WH State PAC & Conduit sends a powerful message of unity on behalf of those who support hospitals and health systems by providing contributors two vehicles in which to participate.
The WH State PAC & Conduit sends a powerful message of unity on behalf of those who support hospitals and health systems by providing contributors two vehicles in which to participate.
No decisions to make, just contribute and support the cause.
Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC decides which candidates and committees to collectively support.
WISCONSIN HOSPITALS PAC
Contributions are not personally identified in the contribution to the candidate campaign.
No decisions to make, just contribute and support the cause.
WISCONSIN HOSPITALS PAC
Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC decides which candidates and committees to collectively support. Contributions are not personally identified in the contribution to the candidate campaign.
WISCONSIN HOSPITALS CONDUIT
WISCONSIN HOSPITALS CONDUIT
YOU decide where your money goes. You receive 100% recognition for your contribution from the candidate or committee.
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.
Wisconsin Hospitals, as the industry, also receives recognition.
Wisconsin Hospitals, as the industry, also receives recognition.
WH State PAC & Conduit FAQs
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.
Political Contributions Made Simple!
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.
Our Contributors
Supporters include individuals across Wisconsin who care about the hospitals and health systems in their own communities.
Hospital Employers
Community Leaders
Members of Hospital Boards
Supported in 2024 Individuals Supported in 2025
Health Care Professionals
Participate in the WH State PAC & Conduit.
How to support and get engaged.
Supporting the WH State PAC & Conduit makes certain those who support hospitals and health systems have a meaningful impact in electing state candidates who value high-quality health care.
Makeacontribution
Onlineatwww.whconduit.com,youcan makeone-timeorrecurringdonations.
Donor Club Levels:
Set-up a Recurring Contribution
AttendWHStatePACEvents
Hosted28ofourowncandidatespecificfundraisingeventslastcycle.
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:
$417/month = $5,000 Annual (Leaders Circle)
$250/month = $3,000 Annual (Platinum Club)
$125/month = $1,500 Annual (Gold Club)
$75/month = $900 Annual
$$50/month = $600 Annual
$$25/month = $300 Annual
Seven Steps to Successful Fundraising
Individual leaders must take the initiative to ensure a successful fundraising year for the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit. Following these steps will help.
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.
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.
Assemble your list. Start with past supporters, they know the drill. Next, target new donors who are likely to get involved.
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.
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.
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.
Execute and follow up. Fundraising is not rocket science, it’s about persistence. You don’t know if they’ll give unless you ask.
Rules of the Road
Hospitals are prohibited from participating in political campaigns… …But individuals, in their individual capacity, can participate in political campaigns.
A hospital CEO or other leadership may participate in the WH State PAC & Conduit fundraising drive and activities by:
1.Making personal contributions.
2.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.
3.Distributing WH State PAC & Conduit PAC materials by mail using WH State PAC & Conduit letterhead, envelopes and postage.
4.Attending WH State PAC & Conduit-sponsored activities and events during personal time.
5.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.
6.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.
7.Do not make WH State PAC & Conduit solicitations an agenda item for official staff meetings or other hospital functions.
8.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 donor is completely voluntary.
9.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/charitableorganizations/the-restriction-of-political-campaign-intervention-by-section-501c3-tax-exempt-organizations
Although the IRS 501(c)(3) restrictions do not apply to for-profit health care organizations, various state and federal campaign financing regulations may apply to such corporation's activity. Please contact Kari Hofer at 608-268-1816 if you have further questions.
The documents provided in this Fundraising Toolkit are not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of what is permissible or prohibited. You should consult your legal counsel before engaging in any activity if you are uncertain whether the activity is permitted.
Get Started
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.
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!
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.
The documents provided in this Fundraising Toolkit are not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of what is permissible or prohibited. You should consult your legal counsel before engaging in any activity if you are uncertain whether the activity is permitted.
Sample Materials Enclosed
Please find the following sample campaign materials enclosed. We will work with you to both determine which materials will work 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. 2025 Annual Report
6. Contribution Form
7. WH Conduit Disbursement Instructions
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.
KARI HOFER
Senior Vice President, External Affairs & Member Engagement
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
The documents provided in this Fundraising Toolkit are not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of what is permissible or prohibited. You should consult your legal counsel before engaging in any activity if you are uncertain whether the activity is permitted.