The Nick and Leslie Hanauer Foundation is the private foundation of progressive technology investor and reported Democracy Alliance partner Nick Hanauer.^[1] Hanauer, dubbed “America’s worst minimum wage pundit” by Forbes commentator and economist Adam Ozimek for his ignorance of economics debates, is a staunch advocate for left-wing economic policies, most notably exceptionally high minimum wages.^[2]

Background

Hanauer has a much higher profile than his foundation, which prefers to remain discreet.^[3] The foundation appears to be purely a funding vehicle. In tax year 2015, the foundation did not pay any employees, and the only directors reported are Nick Hanauer and his wife.^[4]

The foundation contributes to local Seattle-area charitable organizations and progressive public policy and political organizing groups. Grant recipients in recent years include the Institute for New Economic Thinking, the Roosevelt Institute, the Center for American Progress, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Media Matters for America, Washington Progress Fund, Economic Policy Institute, and the Tides Foundation.^[5]