Foreign Charities Directed Over $1 Billion into U.S. Climate and Political Advocacy, Sparking Democracy Concerns
A new report has revealed that significant financial support has been directed toward U.S. non-profit organizations, notably those engaged in climate advocacy and political activism. The findings indicate that these contributions total nearly $2 billion, raising concerns in both conservative and liberal circles about the potential for foreign influence in American politics and the broader implications for the integrity of American democracy.
The report, released by Americans for Public Trust, provides detailed documentation tracing the flow of foreign charitable funds into American organizations. It’s noted that while direct contributions to political candidates are prohibited under federal law, foreign donations are being used to support various activities closely associated with elections, including get-out-the-vote campaigns, lobbying efforts, issue advertising, and politically charged initiatives. This has created a new layer of complexity and scrutiny regarding the role of foreign funds in shaping domestic policy and political discourse.
Among the foreign entities highlighted in the report are the Quadrature Climate Foundation (U.K.) and the Oak Foundation (Switzerland), which have been identified as major contributors. The report indicates that the Quadrature Climate Foundation has awarded approximately $520 million to 41 U.S. groups since 2020. One of the notable beneficiaries is the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), which is involved in climate litigation and education of judges on climate-related issues. The ELI has received various grants, notably a $650,000 grant from the Oak Foundation since 2018.
While the Environmental Law Institute claims to maintain independence and asserts that its work is not dictated by any funder, the report highlights that these grants are used for initiatives that align with the climate advocacy agenda. The report further points to the potential for these contributions to influence domestic policy and public opinion, thereby contributing to concerns about the erosion of democratic principles in the United States.
The issue has also been brought to the attention of various legal and political entities, such as the Department of Justice, which has expressed concerns regarding the involvement of foreign funds in U.S. political activities. These concerns have been exacerbated by recent legal actions and advocacy efforts, particularly from conservative entities, which emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in the sources of funding for political and advocacy groups.