A new analysis by the conservative watchdog Americans for Public Trust (APT) alleges that six foreign philanthropic entities have funneled more than $2.65 billion into U.S.-based advocacy organizations, taking advantage of gaps APT says allow foreign funding to influence American politics through nonprofits.
Overview
APT released its findings ahead of a House Ways & Means Committee hearing titled "Foreign Influence in American Non-profits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond," scheduled to begin at about 10:00 a.m. EST. The report emphasizes that while foreign nationals are legally barred from making direct contributions to U.S. political campaigns, sizable grants to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations can nonetheless support candidates, policy advocacy or political viewpoints.
Major Donors Identified
According to APT, the six organizations highlighted in the report are based in Switzerland, Denmark and the United Kingdom. APT names the largest donors and the approximate amounts they have granted to U.S. advocacy groups:
Hansjorg Wyss attends Oceana's 2015 New York City benefit at Four Seasons Restaurant on April 1, 2015, in New York City.
- Oak Foundation (Switzerland): ~ $753 million, founded by British retail billionaire Alan Parker. APT cites grants to environmental and conservation groups and significant funding to the Arabella network.
- Wyss-Linked Entities (Switzerland): Wyss Foundation and the Berger Action Fund — ~ $673 million. APT says Wyss funding supports progressive policy efforts and lists recipients such as League of Conservation Voters and Planned Parenthood.
- Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) (U.K.): ~ $638.2 million. Backed by Christopher Hohn, APT characterizes CIFF as an active funder on climate and social-justice issues and raises concerns about reported ties to organizations connected to Chinese initiatives.
- Quadrature Climate Foundation (U.K.): ~ $532.5 million. APT reports major grants to global climate organizations and research institutions; ClimateWorks Foundation received roughly $147 million from Quadrature, including funds for electric-vehicle acceleration and climate-related financial-regulation work.
- KR Foundation (Denmark) & Laudes Foundation (Switzerland): Combined ~ $55.6 million; both have passed funds to U.S. advocacy groups and networks referenced in the report.
Networks and Notable Recipients
APT's report highlights contributions to networked grantmakers such as the Arabella-managed nonprofits (including the New Venture Fund, Windward Fund and Hopewell Fund) and other well-known recipients like Greenpeace, World Resources Institute, the League of Conservation Voters, ClimateWorks Foundation and others. The report cites Influence Watch and other grant-tracking sources for some recipient lists.
"Foreign donors can currently fund U.S.-based advocacy groups – most often 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s – virtually unchecked," APT's report states, adding that the organization believes additional foreign funding likely remains undisclosed.
Context and Reactions
APT frames the report as a call for greater scrutiny of how philanthropic dollars from abroad interact with U.S. nonprofits and potentially affect policy debates and elections. The upcoming congressional hearing will examine whether existing rules sufficiently prevent foreign influence in American civic and political life. The findings reported here reflect APT's analysis and allegations; recipients and foundations cited may characterize their activities and grantmaking differently.
Note: This article summarizes claims made by a watchdog report and identifies the donors and approximate amounts cited. The allegations in the report have not been adjudicated in court; readers should consider the report’s perspective and consult primary sources for further verification.
