Definition of Contribution

A "contribution" is any advance, conveyance, deposit, distribution, transfer of funds, loan, payment or subscription of money or anything of value whatsoever to a candidate, political committee, political party committee, independent expenditure political committee, or referendum committee. 

Contributions may be monetary or non-monetary.  Loans, pledges, gifts, proceeds or sales of services, in-kind transfers, use of any supplies, office machinery, vehicles, aircraft, office space or related services, goods, or personal or real property are all contributions. 

The term “contribution” also encompasses any contract, agreement, or other obligation to make a contribution. A debt forgiven by an entity or person to whom it is owed is also considered a contribution.  The term does not include an “independent expenditure.”