Americans for Public Trust unveils $5 B foreign‑money database for US nonprofits

Americans for Public Trust released a searchable database that documents more than $5 billion in foreign contributions to U.S. nonprofit groups. The tool catalogs 523 organizations and over 12,000 individual records, showing how foreign governments, charities and individuals channel money into ballot initiatives, issue advocacy, lobbying and other election‑related activities that are not prohibited by federal law.

The database is intended to help lawmakers, watchdogs and the public identify loopholes that allow foreign money to influence American political discourse. Executive director Caitlin Sutherland said the timing is critical as the midterm election season intensifies, and highlighted major recipients such as the Sixteen Thirty Fund, the ClimateWorks Foundation, the Gates Medical Research Institute and Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, who alone has contributed more than $300 million. House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith warned that the current tax‑exempt status of nonprofits can be abused as a cover for foreign propaganda and election interference.

The launch follows a congressional hearing where Smith called the status quo “unacceptable,” urging reforms to make tax‑exempt sponsors more accountable. Americans for Public Trust hopes the database will provide the information needed to close the identified loopholes and protect the integrity of U.S. elections.