Advancing American Freedom Foundation (AAFF)

AAFF is the 501(c)(3) sister organization to Advancing American Freedom, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence that claims to support “the Conservative Movement by developing innovative policy solutions, strategies, coalitions, and messaging that builds upon those accomplishments, expands freedom for all Americans.” ^{3 4}

Activities

According to its website, Advancing American Freedom (AAFF) is “supplemented” by the Advancing American Freedom Foundation (AAFF) while the latter organizes efforts and advocates for policies that educate “the American people about the ideas of free markets, limited government, traditional values, and strong American leadership in the world.” ¹

The AAFF also develops and files amicus briefs for various court cases, including those involving First Amendment rights. In 2025, it filed a brief for the First Choice Women’s Resource Centers, Inc. v. Platkin U.S Supreme Court case in which pro-life advocacy group First Choice Women’s Resource Centers had previously sued then-New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin to block a subpoena issued over allegations the group had mislead donors on its mission and operations. According to the brief filed by AAFF, “…even the threat of disclosure can chill speech and associational rights” and that government agencies cannot “leap over the barriers erected by the Constitution.” ^{5 6} All nine U.S Supreme Court justice ruled in favor of First Choice, arguing “A government demand for a private organization’s donor records inflicts an immediate, concrete injury to First Amendment freedom of association rights, giving the organization the legal right to challenge the demand in federal court.” ⁶

According to a 2025 article by the publication Jacobin, AAFF was listed as one of 13 right-of-center groups that filed an amicus brief supporting Consumers’ Research in the U.S Supreme Court Case Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers’ Research in which the latter challenged the “constitutionality of the 1996 Telecommunications Act’s universal service requirements,” and the Federal Communications Commission‘s (FCC) “implementation of those requirements.” ^{7 8} According to Jacobin, AAFF and the other right-of-center groups were accused of being “bankrolled by a nonprofit connected to Leonard Leo, President Donald Trump’s former judicial adviser” and that Consumers’ Research was attempting to “strip agencies of their power to protect consumers and workers.” ⁸ The U.S Supreme Court ruled in favor of the FCC 6-3, concluding “[t]he statutory scheme that allows the FCC to collect “sufficient” contributions to fund universal-service programs does not violate the nondelegation doctrine.” ⁷

Financials and Funding

According to its 2024 tax return, the Advancing American Freedom Foundation (AAFF) generated $2.8 million in revenue from contributions and grants. ⁹

In 2024, tax filings confirm that the AAFF received contributions for general support from DonorsTrust ($299,250), ¹⁰ the National Christian Charitable Foundation ($267,700),  ¹¹ and the Searle Freedom Trust ($125,000).  ¹² Tax filings confirm that in 2023, the AAFF received contributions from the National Philanthropic Trust ($300,000)  ¹³ and the John William Pope Foundation ($250,000).  ¹⁴

In 2024, AAFF paid out $1.9 million in salaries and compensation. Its total expenses were $3 million. ¹⁵ Its biggest expense was $2 million spent conducting research on public policy alternatives and issues related to amicus curiae briefs, including $2,500 in grants. ¹⁶ The AAFF also provided a loan or loan guarantee to its sister organization, Advancing American Freedom, for $1.9 million.  ¹⁷

In 2023, AAFF granted $150,000 to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. ¹⁸

Leadership

Tim Chapman is president of Advancing American Freedom (AAF) and the Advancing American Freedom Foundation (AAFF). Chapman previously worked as a principal at P2 Public Affairs, was the executive director of Heritage Action for America, the executive director at Stand for America, and the chief of staff at the Heritage Foundation. Chapman previously worked as an adviser and staffer to then-U.S. Senators Jim DeMint (R-SC), Don Nickles (R-SC), and Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX). ¹⁹

As of 2026, Marc Short was the chair of AAF and the AAFF as well as a founding partner for Advance Strategies. Short previously worked as president of Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, was chief of staff for the House Republican Conference, and served as the executive director of Freedom Alliance. Short also previously worked as chief of staff to then-Vice President Mike Pence and as director of legislative affairs during the First Trump administration. ²⁰

Paul Teller was the previous executive vice president of AAF and the AAFF, serving in the role until August 2024.  ²¹ As of 2026, Teller is the president of Teller Strategies and sits on the board of the Discovery Institute. Teller previously served in the First Trump administration as deputy assistant to President Donald Trump and director of strategic initiatives to then-Vice President Mike Pence Prior, Teller worked as the chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and as the executive director of the House Republican Study Committee. ²²