House Hearing Targets Foreign Influence in Nonprofits
A new watchdog report claims that foreign billionaires and overseas foundations have poured more than $2.6 billion into American advocacy groups. The findings were released ahead of a House Ways and Means Committee hearing focused on foreign influence in U.S. nonprofits.
The hearing, titled “Foreign Influence in American Nonprofits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond,” aims to examine whether foreign money is shaping public policy through nonprofit organizations.
According to Americans for Public Trust (APT), six foreign entities based in Switzerland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom directed roughly $2.65 billion to U.S. based groups. APT argues that a legal loophole allows foreign nationals to fund 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, even though they cannot donate directly to political candidates.
Swiss Foundations Lead in Funding
APT identifies the Switzerland based Oak Foundation as the largest contributor. Founded by British businessman Alan Parker, the group reportedly sent about $753 million to American advocacy organizations. Records cited by researchers show grants to environmental groups such as Greenpeace, the World Resources Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund.
The report also states that Oak Foundation funding reached the Arabella network, including the New Venture Fund, the Windward Fund, and the Hopewell Fund. In addition, the Tides Foundation received support.
Entities tied to Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss rank second. The Wyss Foundation and Berger Action Fund allegedly directed more than $673 million to U.S. advocacy efforts. APT claims that Wyss backed groups focused on environmental policy, election law reform, and voter mobilization.
UK and Danish Donors Also Cited
The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, supported by British billionaire Christopher Hohn, reportedly sent more than $638 million to American organizations. APT describes the foundation as active in climate and social policy advocacy. It also claims the group maintains connections to Chinese affiliated environmental coalitions.
Another major donor, the Quadrature Climate Foundation, has allegedly provided over $532 million to U.S. groups. Founded by hedge fund executives in London, the foundation funds research institutions and climate focused campaigns. ClimateWorks Foundation stands out as one of its largest recipients.
Meanwhile, Denmark based KR Foundation and the Swiss Laudes Foundation reportedly contributed a combined $55 million to U.S. advocacy organizations.
Debate Over Transparency and Oversight
APT argues that foreign donors use nonprofit structures to influence American debates without sufficient disclosure. The group says the current system lacks safeguards and allows overseas money to flow with minimal oversight.
Critics of the report may dispute its framing or call for broader campaign finance reform. However, lawmakers at the upcoming hearing are expected to question whether Congress should tighten regulations on foreign funding through nonprofits.
As scrutiny grows, the debate over transparency and foreign influence in American politics is likely to intensify.
