Hard Money Law and Legal Definition
Hard money is the money contributed by an individual directly to a particular campaign. New legislation in 2002 raised the limit for individual contributions from $1,000 per candidate per federal (presidential or congressional) election to $2,000. The first $250 donated to a candidate by an individual can be matched dollar-for-dollar from federal matching funds. Limits on statewide elections vary according to state laws.
Whereas, Soft Money is the political donations made in such a way as to avoid federal regulations or limits, as by donating to a party organization rather than to a particular candidate or campaign.
