Intel Political Accountability Guidelines November 2016
Intel Corporation is committed to the highest levels of corporate accountability. As a way to
provide transparency with respect to Intel’s political contribution decision making and
disclosures, Intel adopted these Intel Political Accountability Guidelines (the “Guidelines”).
Intel Political Action Committee
Intel created the Intel Political Action Committee (“IPAC”) in 1980 ...to enable employees to
support candidates whose legislative goals align with Intel’s public policy priorities. IPAC is a
separate segregated fund registered with the Federal Election Commission. All funds in IPAC
come from voluntary contributions from Intel’s employees and directors. Intel uses IPAC to
make contributions to candidates, ballot initiatives, and political action committees where
permitted by law. Corporate funds are used only for the administration of IPAC, and no
corporate funds are deposited in the IPAC account.
Corporate Political Activity
Some states allow corporate contributions to state and local candidates, as well as ballot
initiatives. Where permitted by law, and in compliance with its giving guidelines set forth
below, Intel contributes to candidates, ballot initiatives, and political action committees from
its corporate funds. Intel does not make contributions to so-called “527 organizations” that
are not principal campaign committees, political action committees, or political parties. Intel
does not use corporate funds to make independent expenditures or to fund electioneering
communications. Intel does not make political contributions from its corporate funds where it
is prohibited by law, such as to federal candidates. All contributions to federal candidates
come from IPAC.
Industry and Trade Groups
Intel uses corporate funds to participate in industry and trade associations. These
memberships allow Intel to work collaboratively with other companies and groups to address
key public policy issues. Intel reviews these memberships annually to assess their business
value and alignment with its policies and priorities. Intel discloses its payments to trade
associations and other tax-exempt organizations such as 501(c)(4) organizations.
Intel Political Accountability Guidelines
How We Select Contribution Recipients
Throughout the year, Intel receives contribution requests from candidates and political action
committees. Intel officers and employees with responsibility over matters dealing with
government and policy also initiate contributions requests. Decisions on political
contributions, whether from IPAC or from Intel’s corporate funds, consider Intel’s business
objectives, corporate policies, and public policy priorities which are outlined on its public
policy and corporate responsibility websites. Intel’s approach is to make contributions in a
non-partisan manner. Intel’s ultimate goal in making political contributions is to support
candidates with the goal of protecting and enhancing long-term stockholder value.
Intel reviews contribution requests against Intel’s political contribution policy guidelines,
which take into account: historical voting records and positions on key strategic business and
policy issues for Intel; leadership on key committees or within Congress; whether Intel has a
large presence in a given state or district; and the impact of the proposed support on the
candidate’s campaign. The weight assigned to each of these factors may vary with the
circumstances in a particular case. Corporate contributions are reviewed by Intel’s Vice
President of Government and Policy Group. Intel uses this formal review process to ensure its
contributions are in line with Intel’s interests, rather than those of individual directors and
officers. IPAC contributions are determined by a committee comprised of Intel employees,
subject to the approval of Intel’s Vice President of Government
Read the full Intel Political Accountability Guidelines
November 2016.