What is Local IMPAC?

Local IMPAC is an issues political action fund maintained by C.A.R. for a local Association.

Where does the money come from?

Local IMPAC funds are a combination of a C.A.R. contribution from the Issue Action Fund portion of C.A.R. dues, and an allocation from the Political Activities Fund in an amount equal to 10% of a local Association’s Political Survival Contribution rate.

What can IMPAC funds pay for?

Local IMPAC funds CAN be used for a wide variety of issue advocacy purposes: 

• Ballot Measure Campaigns - REALTOR® Issue Mobilization Campaigns
• Dues and Contributions to Coalitions - Receptions/Events/Conferences
• Advocacy and Policy Education
• Policy Research and Consulting Services
• Travel, Meals and Receptions Associated with Lobbying an Issue

Local IMPAC CANNOT be used:

• to benefit candidates for office
• for activities which impose a lobbyist registration burden on C.A.R.
• for routine business expenses of a local Association.

Why are requests submitted to C.A.R.?

Political expenditures are heavily regulated by local, state and federal laws which expose violators to severe civil and criminal penalties.  C.A.R. manages the political accounts to assure that all expenditures comply with legal restrictions and are properly reported according to law.

How are requests submitted?

Requests for reimbursement of a Local IMPAC expenditure and requests for preparation of a check drawn from a Local IMPAC account are submitted on the simple, one page Local IMPAC Request Form available at www.car.org (see page 2).  The first page of the form asks for the details of the request and provides information for submittal of completed forms. The second page of the form lists appropriate IMPAC expenditures and details the information required when IMPAC funds are used for gifts or entertainment of public officials.

Why might a local IMPAC request be rejected?

Local IMPAC requests can be rejected for three reasons:

1. The funding request does not meet IMPAC guidelines.
2. The request is submitted too late to meet state reporting timelines.
3. The request violates local, state or federal law.