"funneling money to the White House" means a bribe was paid or promised.

[yellowcanine]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/01/politics/presidential-pardon-justice-department/index.html

The Justice Department is investigating a potential crime related to funneling money to the White House or related political committee in exchange for a presidential pardon, according to court records unsealed Tuesday in federal court.

That's a crime for both parties whether or not the "quo" was ever delivered.