A government watchdog group, Americans for Public Trust (APT), is calling on lawmakers to address the influx of foreign money into U.S.-based nonprofits that impact American politics and public policy. APT has sent letters to all 50 governors and officials on six congressional committees, directing them to its newly launched FollowForeignMoney.org database. This database tracks over $5 billion from foreign governments, nationals, and charities flowing into U.S. nonprofits since 2002.

APT urges state and federal officials to evaluate whether current laws sufficiently prevent foreign actors from indirectly influencing political outcomes. While federal law broadly prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to U.S. elections, foreign funds can still support activities through tax-exempt organizations, advocacy groups, and voter registration efforts.

The Senate may consider the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act next, following the House's approval of the legislation in July 2026.

According to APT’s database, the His Wyss Foundation and the Berger Action Fund have directed more than $372 million into nonprofits linked to the Arabella Advisors network, a major liberal nonprofit funding group. Nearly $305 million from Berger Action Fund went to the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a liberal nonprofit dark money group supporting causes such as voting access, health care, climate policy, and racial equity.

Additionally, Berger Action Fund contributed $102 million to the Fund for a Better Future, which supports projects related to elections, immigration, and climate policy. The fund also provided nearly $5.1 million to Building Back Together, an organization founded by former Biden campaign staffers to promote the Biden administration’s agenda between 2021 and 2023.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which advocates on climate, energy, wildlife, and public health issues, received $30 million from these sources.

APT’s efforts highlight concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics through nonprofit channels and call for legislative action to address potential gaps in existing laws.

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