Contribute to VACUPAC
VACUPAC funds are distributed to political candidates who champion credit unions and can help us get things done!
Your contributions to VACUPAC allow us to have a greater impact with candidates than you could make as an individual. Contributing to VACUPAC is not only a contribution to our advocacy work, it’s an investment in your credit union and in your career.
Individuals: Here's How to Contribute
- We have a convenient online contribution form that enables you to contribute by card. Contribute now.
- Our VACUPAC Brochure provides information on making an individual contribution. Download it here.
- Check with your credit union about using payroll deduction to make contributions to VACUPAC. Many credit unions offer this option.
- Contact your League's CeJae Vtipilson for assistance - 800.768.3344, ext. 1602 or cvtipilson@vacul.org
Your Contribution Matters
Laws and regulations govern our credit unions and how we serve our members. We need lawmakers who are willing to champion credit unions and are willing to support our mission!
VACUPAC contributions support lawmakers who:
- Support pro-credit union legislation by voting on or introducing credit union bills
- Serve on key committees that review legislation that affects credit unions
- Advocate for a fair, flexible regulatory environment for credit
- Work to defeat measures that would harm credit unions
Your Involvement Matters
Elected officials pay attention to their constituents, the people who can vote for them. That’s why in addition to contributing to VACUPAC, it’s also important to be involved in other forms of credit union advocacy, including:
- Participating in Credit Union Day at the Virginia General Assembly
- Attending the Annual Congressional Luncheon during CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference
- Building relationships with your state and federal lawmakers
- Volunteering your time by serving on political campaigns
- TAKING ACTION when we need you to contact elected officials on behalf of credit unions
Credit Unions: Here's How to Contribute
- Corporate Support of VACUPAC: State-chartered credit unions can make a direct contribution to VACUPAC. Corporate-level contributions from Virginia-based, state-chartered credit unions will be used exclusively to help state legislators/candidates who have demonstrated that they understand credit unions and that they support our ability to provide the services our members want and need. Under our current system, the majority of our PAC dollars are distributed to federal-level political candidates, owing to the fact that most credit union legislative and regulatory issues are federal-level matters.
For that reason, corporate-level contributions by state-chartered credit unions are a powerful advocacy tool for us, enabling our PAC to more easily support candidates for state offices.
NOTE: State-chartered credit unions’ direct contributions to the Virginia Credit Union Political Action Committee (VACUPAC) are subject to additional tax liability. The credit union will be required to file IRS form 1120 POL per Internal Revenue Code Section 527, in addition to form 990. Please consult your tax professional for additional guidance.
- Political Administrative Fund: This fund allows all credit unions (state and federal) to contribute funds to cover activities associated with advocacy. (For example, these funds have helped cover the cost of hosting legislative events at the Credit Union House of Virginia.)
For the past few years, we've provided credit unions an option to contribute to the Fund through information provided in your dues packet, which you receive at the beginning of each calendar year. But you can contribute at any time. Contact your League's CeJae Vtipilson for details (800.768.3344, ext. 1602 / cvtipilson@vacul.org)
- Fundraisers: Credit unions and chapters can raise funds for VACUPAC. Popular fundraisers include sales of candy and White House ornaments, as well as a casual dress fundraiser and golf tournaments.