Financial Policy

Financial Values

Transparency

1. The United States Pirate Party is a party of Transparency as one of its core values, and this extends to the party's financials.
2. “Transparency” as used in this document is defined as such:
   1. A situation in which business and financial activities are done in an open way without secrets, so that people can trust that they are fair and honest.
3. This will be achieved through the following procedures:
   1. At LEAST one monthly public statement at a PNC (Pirate National Committee) Meeting containing the following information.
      1. Income: the amount of money brought into the party bank account during the month either through fundraising, donations, or any other party approved method.
      2. Expenses: The amount of money spent from the party bank account during the month and an overview of how the money was spent and allocated.
      3. Balance: the current amount of money in the party bank account at the time the statement is brought to PNC.
   2. At LEAST one monthly private comprehensive bank statement statement brought to the current Captain and Auditor for review

Good Faith

1. The United States Pirate Party, at its core, is a party meant for the good of the American people and as such should practice good faith when handling financial assets.
2. “Good faith” as used in this document is defined as such:
   1. a way of behaving that is honest
3. This will be achieved through the following procedures:
   1. The Treasurer will promptly deposit funds into the party bank account within no more than ten (10) days after receipt. At no point should party allocated funds be deposited into any PNC officer’s personal bank account or anywhere that is not the party bank account.
      1. According to FEC guidelines: Contributions not deposited within 10 days must be returned to their donors.
   2. At no point should party allocated funds be invested into any indexed portfolio that may deprecate in value.
   3. At no point should party allocated funds be spent on anything not relating to National/State party matters.

Reassignment of Credentials

After Election of Officers

1. Within one month of officer appointment, the incumbent treasurer must complete a secure transfer of party bank account credentials to the incoming treasurer via either Signal or Matrix.
2. Within one week of receipt, the incoming treasurer must create and implement new personal credentials for the party bank account as well as securely sharing said credentials with the Captain via Signal or Matrix.
   1. These credentials must be stored in a file encrypted with a private and personal key system.

After Resignation of Treasurer

1. Within one week of appointment, the incumbent treasurer must complete a secure transfer of party bank account credentials to the incoming elected treasurer via either Signal or Matrix.
   1. In the event of an absent Incumbent, the Captain must share the current credentials with the incoming Treasurer.
2. See 2.1 item 2.

Management of Accounts

Movement/disposal of Funds

1. Before the closure of any current financial accounts due to security concerns, any remaining funds must be promptly and securely moved to a new financial institution which must be chosen by the Auditor, Treasurer, and Captain.
2. In the event of party dissolution, all funds should be distributed as directed by Article X of the USPP bylaws.

Creation of Accounts

1. Upon choosing a financial institution, any bank account must be registered as an organizational account using the TIN of the USPP as found on FEC registration documents.
2. The e-mail used must be the official USPP treasurer account:
   1. treasurer@uspirates.org
3. The phone number used must be updated upon each incoming treasurer.
4. The types of acceptable accounts are as follows:
   1. Checking
   2. Savings
   3. Line of Credit
   4. Goal-based Savings

Authorization of Signers

1. The following roles are authorized to be account signers:
   1. Current Treasurer
   2. Chair/Captain
   3. Assistant Treasurers as necessary
2. Any debit cards received under the party bank account must be held by the current treasurer or assistant treasurer as deemed necessary and authorized by the treasurer.
   1. Cards should be passed to the incoming treasurer after elections and they must replace the incumbent as a signer.
   2. Any other incumbents who are authorized as signers must also have that right revoked upon incoming officers gaining authorization

Upkeep of FEC Filing

1. Each calendar year, the incoming treasurer MUST file with the FEC under either a Super PAC or a Political Party.
   1. The preferred filing status would be under a Political Party. If the party does not meet the federal requirements to file under this category, then a Super PAC is the next preferred option.
2. The Treasurer must correspond with the Captain during filing in order to keep open communications about the legal status of the party.
3. The Treasurer must keep records of FEC filing status and quarterly reports via the provided channels on the USPP wiki.

Document approved at the August 16th 2026 PNC Meeting