Political engagement plays an important role in protecting and advancing the commercial real estate industry. From development and infrastructure to taxation, housing, permitting, and economic growth, public policy decisions directly impact the work our members do every day.
One tool available to members is CARW’s Direct Giver Program, also referred to under Wisconsin law as a conduit program. The program provides members with a simple and flexible way to participate in the political process while maintaining full control over where their contributions go.
Unlike a traditional PAC contribution, Direct Giver contributions remain personal contributions made by the individual donor. CARW simply acts as the conduit for transmitting those contributions to candidates or committees designated by the contributor.
The program functions much like a personal political giving account:
- Contributions are made to the Direct Giver account
- Funds remain under the contributor’s direction
- Contributors decide which candidates or campaigns receive support
- CARW processes and transmits the contribution on the member’s behalf
One of the advantages of the program is that both the contributor and CARW receive recognition for political engagement and support of industry advocacy efforts.
The Direct Giver Program gives members flexibility to support candidates at the local and state level while helping strengthen organized commercial real estate advocacy in Wisconsin.
Importantly:
- Contributors retain full control over disbursement decisions
- Contributions are treated as individual personal contributions under Wisconsin campaign finance law
- Donor information and reporting requirements continue to apply under state law
Advocacy is one of CARW’s core pillars because policy decisions shape the future of commercial real estate and economic development across Wisconsin. Whether the issue is housing supply, development processes, infrastructure investment, taxation, or regulatory reform, industry engagement matters.
The Direct Giver Program is one additional way members can participate in and support those conversations.
Learn more about CARW advocacy efforts and the Direct Giver Program here: CARW Direct Givers Conduit