Hard Dollars vs. Soft Dollars: What’ s the Difference? When it comes to political advocacy, members often hear the terms hard dollars and soft dollars— but what exactly do they mean, and why are they so important to PADPAC’ s success? Understanding the difference helps us see how every contribution, no matter the size, strengthens dentistry’ s position.
Hard Dollars: The Backbone of Political Advocacy Members who donate to PADPAC using a personal check or credit card are providing us with the hard dollars to support a candidate’ s political campaign and the means to network and build relationships by attending those candidates’ fundraisers.
This matters because hard dollars are the most impactful tool we have for supporting legislators who stand with dentistry. When PADPAC presents a contribution to a campaign, it’ s more than just a check— it’ s a message that Pennsylvania’ s dentists are engaged, organized and invested in the process of making policy decisions that impact the oral health of patients and the future of the profession.
Soft Dollars: Fueling the Engine Members who donate using a corporate check or credit card are giving us soft dollars. Though these funds cannot be used for a legislator’ s political campaign, they can be used for a variety of other useful purposes. These dollars play a vital supporting role: they help cover PAC operating expenses and can be used to help local dental societies engage with local legislators by hosting a meet-and-greet. PADPAC’ s soft dollars may even be used for something as simple as taking your local representative or senator out for dinner.
While soft dollars don’ t go directly into legislators’ campaign accounts, they ensure the PAC can function effectively and continue to grow. Think of them as the fuel that keeps the engine running.
Please note that the PADPAC Board must approve all hard and soft dollar expenditures.
Why Both Matter
Both hard and soft dollars are essential to a healthy, effective PAC. Hard dollars gives our lobbyists, staff, and volunteer leaders direct access to policymakers in Harrisburg and around the state, while soft dollars provide the flexibility to keep our operations sustainable and member focused. Without a balance of both, PADPAC wouldn’ t have the resources it needs to advocate for dentistry’ s legislative priorities.
What You Can Do
The bottom line is simple: PADPAC’ s strength comes directly from you. Hard dollars give us the power to support candidates, while soft dollars sustain the PAC and give all members the chance to engage with their legislators. Together, they allow us to fight for the issues that matter most to you.
Please consider a contribution for 2026. Now is the perfect time to step up and make your voice heard. Even modest contributions make a real difference when combined with support from colleagues across the state.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 17