war chest

money set aside or scheduled for a particular purpose or activity, as for a political campaign or organizational drive.

Origin of war chest

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

But further, every family has put its surplus of goods into the war-chest.

The Balkan Peninsula |Frank Fox
One of the bronze plates which decorated the exterior of the war-chest of the legio III.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 |Various
He saves from his frugal wages to support the union and to swell the funds in its war-chest.

Socialism and Democracy in Europe |Samuel P. Orth
The exceptions to the advantage of the war-chest were very rare, and for these the troops gained in a larger proportion at home.

A Defence of the Hessians |Joseph George Rosengarten

M. Mermeix insisted to M. Fleury that the General's war-chest was supplied by voluntary subscriptions.

France and the Republic |William Henry Hurlbert

war chest

a fund collected for a specific purpose, such as an election campaign