A recent report by Americans for Public Trust (APT) reveals that five foreign charities have funneled nearly $2 billion into American left-leaning nonprofit organizations. This influx of funding reportedly aims to promote a far-left agenda and support various activist movements within the United States. The investigation, which relied on IRS Form 990s and media reports, highlights concerns about foreign influence in U.S. democratic processes.
According to APT’s 31-page analysis, these foreign entities have established a complex network to support American organizations that oppose former President Donald Trump and his policies. The report details how foreign billionaires exploit gaps in U.S. regulations, enabling them to indirectly influence the political landscape through nonprofit organizations. APT’s Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland emphasized the risks of unchecked foreign philanthropy, stating that “foreign money is coming in, and it’s trying to erode our democracy.”
Key Findings and Sources of Funding
The report outlines the contributions made by several notable foreign foundations:
– **Quadrature Climate Foundation (UK)**: Founded in 2019 by hedge fund billionaires Greg Skinner and Suneil Setiya, this foundation has provided approximately $530 million to 41 U.S. organizations. Major recipients include ClimateWorks Foundation and the Growald Climate Fund.
– **KR Foundation (Denmark)**: Associated with the Carlsberg family, this foundation has donated $36 million to 53 U.S. groups advocating for climate litigation and fossil fuel divestment.
– **Oak Foundation (Switzerland)**: Established by British billionaire Alan Parker, it has contributed over $750 million to 152 U.S. entities focused on climate justice and litigation against fossil fuel companies.
– **Laudes Foundation (Switzerland)**: Founded by the Brenninkmeijer family, it has allocated $20 million to 17 U.S. organizations promoting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
– **Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (UK)**: Managed by British hedge fund billionaire Sir Christopher Hohn, this foundation has sent $553 million to 39 U.S. groups, although it plans to halt funding in late 2025.
These funding streams reveal a troubling trend of foreign foundations exporting policies that some critics deem detrimental to American democracy. Sutherland noted that the financial support extends beyond environmental initiatives to include various campaigns against Trump and his administration.
Concerns Over Foreign Influence and Policy Recommendations
APT asserts that the current structure of U.S. oversight laws allows foreign entities to exert influence through nonprofit organizations without direct donations to political candidates. This loophole raises alarms about the potential consequences for U.S. sovereignty and democratic integrity. Sutherland pointed out that these funds are used to support protest movements, lobbying efforts, and other activities aimed at reshaping U.S. policies.
In response to these findings, APT has urged policymakers to take action by:
– Closing loopholes in the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)
– Requiring foreign-funded nonprofits to disclose their sources of funding
– Considering a ban on foreign financing for politically active 501(c)(4) organizations
– Investigating if foreign charities have violated U.S. laws through advocacy or litigation
The report serves as a call to action for American lawmakers, highlighting the need to address the intricate web of foreign funding influencing domestic political discourse. With the ongoing influx of international money, the implications for U.S. democracy remain a pressing concern.
