WHO FUNDS
AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY?

TERM DEFINITION: DARK MONEY

A technical term used in investigative journalism and political science to describe funding for political activities where the identity of the original donor is not disclosed to the public. This is a legal framework utilized extensively by national networks to influence local policy without immediate public oversight.

Americans for Prosperity

501(C)(4) SOCIAL WELFARE

A social welfare organization focused on policy advocacy and grassroots lobbying. While it must report total spending, it is not required to publicly disclose its individual donors.

AFP Foundation

501(C)(3) EDUCATIONAL

An educational non-profit that produces research and public awareness campaigns. Donations are tax-deductible, but the entity is strictly prohibited from participating in political campaigns.

AFP Action

POLITICAL COMMITTEE

A Super PAC that can directly advocate for the election or defeat of candidates. Unlike the 501(c) entities, it must publicly disclose its donors to the Federal Election Commission.

02 / TRANSPARENCY

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE GUIDE

ENTITY TYPE

DONOR DISCLOSURE

POLITICAL SCOPE

501(C)(4) ORGANIZATION

Limited disclosure. Federal law does not require social welfare groups to publicly identify individual donors on their annual IRS Form 990.

Permitted to engage in political advocacy provided it is not the organization's primary purpose. Often characterized as 'Dark Money' in political reporting.

501(C)(3) FOUNDATION

Confidential donor rolls. Contributions are tax-deductible for donors, but identities remain private from the public record.

Strictly prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (PAC)

Full public transparency. All contributors exceeding threshold amounts must be identified in periodic filings with the FEC or state election boards.

Explicitly designed for political expenditure, including endorsements, direct mail, and voter mobilization for specific candidates or ballot measures.