InfluenceWatch, a project of the Capital Research Center (CRC), continues to expand its online database that tracks advocacy groups, foundations, and donors involved in shaping public policy. The platform aims to provide transparency regarding the funding sources, motivations, and networks of these organizations.
According to CRC, “The information compiled in InfluenceWatch gives news outlets and other interested parties research to use in reporting on significant topics that are often overlooked by the American public.”
Among recent additions to InfluenceWatch is The HistoryMakers, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving oral and visual testimonials from African-American individuals. Since 2000, it has collected more than 3,000 interviews totaling about 10,000 hours. Notable participants include the late actor James Earl Jones, former Illinois state senator Barack Obama, and activist Angela Davis. The group’s funding comes from several grant makers such as the Ford Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation.
SustainUS is another group featured on InfluenceWatch. This environmental activist organization opposes fossil fuels like coal and oil while promoting renewable energy alternatives. SustainUS organizes youth delegations for international events including United Nations climate conferences and World Bank meetings. Its financial support includes contributions from Amalgamated Charitable Foundation, Patagonia Org, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Summer Strategies is highlighted as a consulting firm offering crisis management and communications services. Founded in 2015 by Melanie Sloan—a former Democratic congressional staffer—Summer Strategies has provided consulting for nonprofits such as Hopewell Fund, American Oversight, and Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
The Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Television Journalism is described as a networking group that provides training programs for journalists and media professionals. Funding partners have included the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation along with CBS News and Stations, NBCUniversal, News-Press & Gazette Company, Scripps Howard Foundation, Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Univision Communications Inc., and Donor Advised Charitable Giving.
The Citizens Foundation (TCF), based in Pakistan, works on educational development in rural areas of the country. In partnership with Sindh province’s government since 2019—and supported by USAID—TCF operates the Sindh Basic Education Programme. TCF also receives support from Open Society Foundations established by George Soros.
CRC notes that “the website offers transparency into these influencers’ funding, motives, and connections while providing insight often neglected by other watchdog groups.”
