What is a contribution?
“Contribution” means the promise or grant of any money or property of any kind or value, including the payment or promise to pay in consideration of a sale, performance or show of any kind which is advertised or offered in conjunction with the name of any charity. “Contributions” do not include bona fide fees, dues or assessments paid by members, provided that membership is not conferred solely as consideration for making a contribution in response to a solicitation. See T.C.A. §48-101-501(2).
A. The term “contribution” is broadly construed. In addition to direct payments and donations from a labor organization or contributions from an employer pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, “contribution” can also include purchases of goods and services, stock purchases, investments, and in-kind contributions. However, a deposit to an account of the labor organization such as a checking or savings account in a credit union or other financial institution would not be a contribution to the financial institution.
