What do we call money spent specifically by a candidate's campaign organization subject to limits?

The correct term for money spent specifically by a candidate's campaign organization, which is subject to limits, is hard money. This refers to funds that are raised and spent directly by a candidate’s campaign, as regulated by federal and state laws. The regulations are designed to create transparency and limit the influence of large donations on elections.

Hard money contributions are typically capped at specific amounts per donor and are closely monitored by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to ensure compliance with campaign finance laws. This contrasts with soft money, which refers to unregulated funds given to political parties for purposes not directly associated with a particular candidate, thus evading limitations imposed on hard money.

Independent expenditures involve spending that is done by individuals or organizations in support of a candidate without coordination with their campaign, meaning these expenditures are not subject to the same limits as hard money contributions. Grassroots donations represent small contributions made by the general public, often aimed at building broad base support for a campaign, but they can also fall under hard money regulations when funneled directly to a candidate.