InfluenceWatch, a project by the Capital Research Center, continues to expand its repository of research on advocacy groups, foundations, and donors influencing public policy. The platform aims to provide transparency regarding these entities’ funding, motives, and connections. This resource is designed to assist news outlets and other interested parties in reporting on significant but often overlooked topics.
The latest additions to InfluenceWatch include several notable organizations:
The America Family Law Center (AFLC), a nonprofit offering legal services for low-income Texas residents on child access and family law matters, is under scrutiny. In January 2025, the Texas Legal Services Center filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service against AFLC. The complaint alleges that AFLC charged clients large fees for inadequate or nonexistent legal services and accuses founder Bob Lansink of misusing funds for personal gain.
The Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA) represents non-teacher employees in Oregon public schools. It is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers as AFT Local 6732 and is a member of the Oregon AFL-CIO. According to the Freedom Foundation, after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, “the union has been forced to close three field offices, drastically cut back spending and accept a $400,000 handout from its parent organization, the American Federation of Teachers, just to make ends meet.”
The Walentas Foundation is managed by David and Jed Walentas of Two Trees Management. This private family grantmaking organization focuses on redeveloping low-income neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY. The foundation has provided grants to Brooklyn-based public schools and Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn.
Smartmatic is an England-based private company providing election technology solutions like ballot marking and election management. As of 2025, Mark Malloch-Brown serves as chairman; he was formerly president of George Soros-founded Open Society Foundations. A Washington Post report from July 2024 noted that LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman had made donations to Smartmatic and connected with CEO Antonio Mugica.
Social Impact Commons operates as a fiscal sponsorship network linking sponsors with projects and funders. By 2025, it boasts over 90 members including Alliance for Justice and NEO Philanthropy. Neville Vakharia leads as president and treasurer of its board; he previously directed the Cultural Data Project at Pew Charitable Trusts.