Watchdog urges U.S. officials to scrutinize foreign money in nonprofit politics
Americans for Public Trust has sent letters to governors and congressional committees urging a review of foreign funding flowing into U.S. nonprofits that influence policy.
Americans for Public Trust (APT) circulated letters to all 50 governors and members of six congressional committees, directing them to its new FollowForeignMoney.org portal that records foreign contributions to U.S. nonprofits dating back to 2002, with a cumulative total exceeding $5 billion. The organization urges officials to determine whether existing statutes sufficiently prevent foreign actors from shaping political outcomes through tax-exempt groups, advocacy entities, and voter-registration efforts.
APT’s data highlight substantial donations from overseas foundations, including a Swiss billionaire’s network and a British philanthropist’s climate fund, which have funded groups such as the Sixteen Thirty Fund, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, recently passed by the House, could extend bans on foreign contributions to ballot measures and referenda, and may soon be debated in the Senate. APT’s outreach also notes state-level actions in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Ohio targeting foreign money in ballot campaigns.
Why it matters
Foreign funding of U.S. nonprofits could affect policy and elections, prompting calls for stronger oversight.
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