In my experience, new and small PACs are very hesitant to consider purchasing PAC management software.  They feel the benefit doesn’t justify the cost of a system.  While in a few circumstances this may be true, for the vast majority of PACs, it is not.  PAC management software: allows your organization to ensure receipts are aggregated to the correct individual by using a key identifier for each individual; allows mass updating of contributor data without manual data entry; allows posting of receipt data, alleviating manual entry; tracks disbursement data so that limits can be more effectively managed; allows for easier and more compliant state reporting; and enables PAC staff to report back to management and members on progress toward goals. In addition to the above, the use of a PAC management tool will save you time and reduce your risk of filing errors.  If you don’t feel that you need a strong tool to manage your PAC, think about the issues that can arise from errors in reports.  While “free” tools provided by filing entities work to get you registered, the next task on your list should be an evaluation of the PAC-management tools available the market to find what best suits the needs of your...

Budgeting for the PAC needs to be a priority now.  As you plan out the budget, take into account the obvious costs, like vendor services (creative, software, solicitation), but also think about soft costs, such as travel for PAC staff or training, events, conference services and web services.  And, if you have a PAC Match program, you will want to think about that as well.  Some organizations also require personnel costs, too.  Other things to think about might be banking/check printing fees, mailing costs, messengers fees.  You may want to consider a line-item for your budget specifically for all PAC costs.  If you can do it, a breakdown of what you included is a great idea and will help each year in the planning process....