InfluenceWatch, a project of the Capital Research Center, is an extensive collection of research into advocacy groups, foundations, and donors influencing public policy. The website provides transparency on these influencers’ funding, motives, and connections.
The information compiled in InfluenceWatch aids news outlets and other interested parties in reporting on significant topics often overlooked by the American public.
The Capital Research Center has announced some significant additions to InfluenceWatch this past week:
BRAC USA is the U.S. affiliate of BRAC, a Bangladesh-based development organization assisting impoverished communities through various programs. Julia Roberts, president and CEO of BRAC USA, previously held positions with Population Services International, USAID, and the CDC. According to its 2024 annual report, BRAC USA’s partners include Amnesty International, the Bezos Family Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Rockefeller Foundation, USAID, Walmart, and Wellspring Philanthropic Fund.
New Energy Alaska is an environmental advocacy project of the Alaska Venture Fund sponsored by New Venture Fund managed by Arabella Advisors. Its senior advisors include former Alaska state Representatives Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) and Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage), as well as former Alaska state Senator Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage). Its funders include Climate Justice Resilience Fund, MacArthur Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, and Northlight Foundation.
At the Table! is a political action committee founded by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) supporting candidates who “have demonstrated a track record of empowering our next generation.” During the 2024 election cycle it raised nearly $106K and spent nearly $79K with $41K contributed to Democratic campaigns. It accepts donations through ActBlue.
The Kairos Center is a left-of-center advocacy group sponsored by Tides Center. Its network includes Veterans for Peace and others such as Border Network for Human Rights; Aspen Institute; Repairers of Breach; ESCR-Net; Equal Justice Initiative; United Workers Association funded through Tides Center including Henry Luce Foundation; Ford Foundation; Open Society Foundations; NoVo Foundation.
Oregonians for Better Elections is another PAC contributing to Oregon state officials advocating ranked-choice voting expansion receiving funds from FairVote Action & Unite America PAC in 2022 totaling $52K contributions towards campaigns within that year alone.
