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Today is the 53rd day of the New Year. Congress has been back in session for 38 days, and undoubtedly you have attended almost as many fundraisers or meetings about political contributions so far this year. I know you're busy and it's easy for the PAC Annual Report to keep sliding down your list of to-dos.

If you haven't started, don't know where to start or have never done a PAC annual report - don't worry!  There is still time. My rule of thumb is your annual report should be in the hands of your donors and/or PAC eligibles absolutely no later than Tax Day. Earlier is always better, but like my Mom taught me, a late thank you note is better than no thank you note at all.  This means you have 63 days to go to get that annual report done!

Top 10 List of PAC Annual Report Content:

1. Make sure your PAC's mission statement is prominent. Don't have a mission statement? Contact 720!

2. A message from the top leader of your company or association about the role of the PAC. Be sure to include a photo!

3. Include a listing of your PAC's Leadership or Board with their photos.  On this page you should also include a description of how the Board is selected, terms of service, and responsibilties.

4. Ask your lobbyists or policy staff to help write a legislative year in review that summarizes the issues your company or organization worked on in 2007 and the outcome. Be sure to also include your legislative priorities for 2008.

5. The meat of your report is the financial summary. No green eyeshades necessary!  Here's the sections you need about finances:

a. Overall Financial: Pull the figures from your FEC year-end annual report for total contributions, disbursements, and cash on hand.

b. Disbursements: Include a listing of all candidates the PAC supported. Most organize the list by chamber and include the official's name, district and state, and party affiliation. For incumbent's you might also consider adding their committee assignment or note if they are part of Leadership. It can't hurt to include a brief description or a link to your PAC Website that describes your candidate support crieteria and decision-making process.

c. Receipts: PAC receipts - list the total and then use charts and graphs to tell a story of where the funds actually came from -- by state (color coded map), by company segment (department or other classification), by membership type, etc.

d. Recognition: There's nothing more important than recogizing your donors. If you have club levels, list your PAC members according to their donor level, and if practicable (depends on the size of your PAC), list all of your donors by inlcuding even the smallest amounts in a "supporters" category at the end of the page or section.  People love to see their name in print and to be recognized by their peers.

e. Benchmark: If you're trying to grow your PAC, consider including a page where you show a chart that compares the receipts of your PAC as compared to PACs in your industry.  By showing your PAC Members and eligibles where your PAC stands among peers, your message is reinforced about the need for additional participation and increased contribution support.

6. Throughout the report try to include pictures of your PAC members at events, in meetings with candidates, and otherwise having a good time!   Use color, charts, and photos to tell a story.

7. Remember, as PAC Manager, your job is to always be fundraising. Be sure to include information about the options or methods for contributing to the PAC (payroll deduction, online via credit card, one-time via check, PAC Match)  as well as a description of the donor club levels and "benefits".

8. Does your PAC have a schedule of events for 2008?  Include it in the annual report!

9. An obvious section, but one not to overlook, is a list of the staff contacts for your department so PAC eligibles know who to contact with questions. Do you have a Website? Other resources available exclusively to PAC members? Be sure to include those details, too.

10. Transparency and accountability are very important to PACs.  I encourage PAC managers to publish their PAC's bylaws in the appendix of the annual report. If the bylaws are lengthy or if you're trying to cut down on the number of printed pages, be sure to note that the bylaws are available on your Website and include the link, or available by contacting your office. Some people take comfort knowing there are formal guidelines and procedures that govern this political entity. You can't go wrong by making this information available.

Need help?  Contact 720 to get that PAC annual report done. Now, go work on your taxes, you have 63 days left. 

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