Unveiling the Financial Backers: Who Funds the 65 Project?

The 65 Project aims to hold accountable lawyers who participated in what it considers efforts to overturn the 2020 election and undermine democratic processes. Its funding primarily comes from a network of left-leaning organizations and individual donors interested in campaign finance reform and strengthening democratic institutions.

Deciphering the Funding Puzzle: Key Players

While the 65 Project doesn’t publicly disclose a comprehensive list of all donors, investigations and public records reveal several significant sources of funding. These fall into a few primary categories:

• Dark Money Groups: A significant portion of funding flows through politically active nonprofits classified under section 501(c)(4) of the IRS code. These organizations aren’t required to disclose their donors, hence the “dark money” label. Identifying the specific source of these funds can be challenging, demanding scrutiny of tax filings, and media investigations.
• Foundations: Traditional philanthropic foundations committed to democratic values and the rule of law are another source. These foundations usually have clear public records, making it easier to trace their contributions.
• Individual Donors: High-net-worth individuals passionate about protecting democratic institutions often contribute substantially. Political donations from such individuals are generally traceable through campaign finance disclosures.
• Labor Unions: Labor unions are known to be funding various organizations that are involved in election activities and that are aligned with the goals of the 65 Project.

The Tides Advocacy Fund is a known fiscal sponsor for the 65 Project, meaning they provide administrative and operational support. It receives grants and donations from various sources and then directs resources to the 65 Project. Being a fiscal sponsor obscures the original donors of the project.

Organizations like the American Bridge 21st Century Foundation and the Way to Win network, known for supporting progressive causes, are also thought to be connected in some form to the 65 Project.

Pinpointing the precise funding breakdown remains difficult due to the use of conduits and the strategic deployment of “dark money” channels. This opacity is characteristic of many politically oriented groups across the ideological spectrum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 65 Project’s Funding

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of the funding structure and implications:

1. What is a “Dark Money” Group, and How Does it Relate to the 65 Project?

A “dark money” group refers to a nonprofit organization, typically a 501(c)(4), that can engage in political activities without disclosing its donors. Because the 65 Project receives funds from such groups, the ultimate source of some of its funding remains hidden. This lack of transparency fuels criticisms about accountability and potential influence peddling.

2. Why Doesn’t the 65 Project Disclose All of Its Donors?

The 65 Project, like many political organizations, follows the legal requirements pertaining to disclosure. While some donors are publicly identifiable through campaign finance reports or foundation grant listings, others are shielded by regulations that protect donor privacy for certain types of organizations. Proponents argue that disclosure requirements can lead to harassment and intimidation of donors, while critics argue that it fosters secrecy and reduces accountability.

3. How Does Fiscal Sponsorship Affect Transparency in Funding?

Fiscal sponsorship, like the arrangement with Tides Advocacy Fund, allows the 65 Project to receive funding from donors who may prefer not to directly contribute to a politically sensitive project. The fiscal sponsor acts as an intermediary, receiving and disbursing funds, which can obscure the original source of the donation. This arrangement is perfectly legal but often criticized for reducing transparency.

4. Is the 65 Project’s Funding Model Unique, or is it Common in Political Advocacy?

The funding model employed by the 65 Project – utilizing a mix of disclosed and undisclosed donors, fiscal sponsors, and foundation grants – is quite common in the landscape of political advocacy. Groups across the ideological spectrum use similar strategies to raise and deploy funds while navigating complex campaign finance regulations.

5. What are the Criticisms Leveled Against the 65 Project’s Funding Sources?

Common criticisms focus on the lack of transparency associated with “dark money” contributions. Critics argue that undisclosed donors could be using the 65 Project to advance hidden agendas, potentially influencing the organization’s strategies and priorities. Concerns are also raised about the potential for foreign influence if funds originate from undisclosed foreign sources.

6. How Does the 65 Project Defend its Funding Practices?

The 65 Project typically argues that its funding practices are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. They emphasize their commitment to transparency where legally required and highlight the importance of protecting donor privacy to prevent harassment and intimidation.

7. Do Conservative Groups Also Utilize Similar Funding Strategies?

Yes, conservative groups also utilize similar funding strategies, including “dark money” channels, fiscal sponsors, and foundation grants. The use of these tactics is not exclusive to one side of the political spectrum. Examples of conservative dark money groups include the Judicial Crisis Network and the Federalist Society.

8. How Can I Find More Information About the 65 Project’s Funding?

You can investigate the 65 Project’s funding by examining the tax filings of related organizations, searching databases of foundation grants, reviewing campaign finance disclosures, and following media investigations that delve into the group’s financial backers. Websites like GuideStar and the IRS website provide access to nonprofit tax returns.

9. Are There Any Legal Limits on the Amount of Money the 65 Project Can Receive?

The legal limits depend on the source of the funds and the type of activity they are used for. For example, donations to 501(c)(4) organizations are generally not subject to the same contribution limits as donations to political campaigns. However, there are rules regarding coordination with campaigns and the use of funds for express advocacy.

10. Has the 65 Project’s Funding Ever Been the Subject of Legal Challenges or Investigations?

While no major legal challenges or investigations have specifically targeted the 65 Project’s funding to date, campaign finance practices are constantly under scrutiny, and the potential for future legal challenges remains. Any violation of campaign finance laws could trigger an investigation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) or state-level agencies.

11. How Does the 65 Project’s Funding Compare to Similar Organizations on the Right?

Comparing funding levels can be challenging due to the opacity of “dark money” networks. However, publicly available data suggests that the 65 Project’s funding is comparable to that of similar politically active organizations on both the left and right.

12. What is the Future Outlook for Campaign Finance Reform, and How Might it Affect the 65 Project?

The future of campaign finance reform is uncertain. Efforts to increase transparency and regulate “dark money” face significant political obstacles. Any significant changes to campaign finance laws could impact the 65 Project’s ability to raise and spend money, potentially requiring greater disclosure of donors or imposing stricter limits on contributions. This is especially likely if laws are changed to require disclosure of donors to organizations that fund election activities.

In conclusion, unraveling the complete funding picture of the 65 Project requires navigating a complex web of legal entities and financial flows. While some funding sources are transparent, others remain shrouded in secrecy, highlighting the ongoing challenges of campaign finance reform and the role of money in politics.