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Non-profit

Sixteen Thirty Fund (1630 Fund)

Parent Organization: Arabella Advisors
Website:

www.sixteenthirtyfund.org
Location:

WASHINGTON, DC
Tax ID:

26-4486735
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(4)

Budget (2016):

Revenue: $21,258,592
Expenses: $19,660,860
Assets: $7,840,711
Formation:

2009
Type:

Funding and Fiscal Sponsorship Nonprofit
President:

Eric Kessler
Managed By:

Arabella Advisors
Executive Director:

Amy Kurtz [105]
Latest Tax Filing:

2019 Form 990

The Sixteen Thirty Fund (sometimes styled “1630 Fund”) is a left-of-center lobbying and advocacy organization founded in 2008.[1] Sixteen Thirty Fund often operates alongside its charitable “sister” nonprofit New Venture Fund, which provides similar funding and fiscal sponsorship services to center-left organizations. Both groups, along with the Hopewell Fund and Windward Fund,  are administered by Arabella Advisors, a Washington, D.C.-based philanthropy consulting firm that caters to left-leaning clients.

According to its founding documents, the Sixteen Thirty Fund was created with seed funding from Americans United for Change (AUFC), ACORN, USAction, the Sierra Club, and Working America. [2]

Both Sixteen Thirty Fund and New Venture Fund have been criticized as “dark money” organizations by left-leaning news outlets, including the New York Times, for serving as a way for left-wing groups to anonymously funnel money toward various advocacy issues, such as attacking vulnerable Republicans or pushing state-level environmental restrictions. [3] [4]

In April 2021, the New York Times criticized Arabella’s “system of political financing, which often obscures the identities of donors,” as “dark money,” calling the network “a leading vehicle for it on the Left.” [5] In May 2021, the New York Times identified Sixteen Thirty Fund as one of the “leading dark money spenders on the Left” for quietly supporting Democrats with more than $63 million in super PAC donations that hurt Republicans in the 2020 election, as well for “help[ing] create and fund dozens of groups, including some that worked to block Mr. Trump’s nominees and push progressive appointments by Mr. Biden.” [6]

Left-leaning Politico has called the Sixteen Thirty Fund a “massive ‘dark money’ network” responsible for “boost[ing] Democrats” in the 2018 midterm elections, a “liberal dark-money behemoth,” a “secretly funded nonprofit,” and “one of the Left’s financial hubs” responsible for “attacking Republican senators” in 2019. [7] [8] [9] The Sixteen Thirty Fund has also been characterized as one of the “key groups founded to resist Trump” by the left-leaning Atlantic. [10]

In its 2018 Form 990, New Venture Fund shows a $26.7 million grant to the Sixteen Thirty Fund for “capacity building.” [11] Sixteen Thirty Fund’s Form 990 of the same year, also shows zero employees, and notes in Schedule O that “New Venture Fund (NVF) is the paymaster for Sixteen Thirty Fund payroll. NVF pays the salary and immediately invoices Sixteen Thirty Fund, which reimburses the full amount.” [12]

Arabella and its nonprofit network have been criticized as “dark money” funders both for channeling hundreds of millions of dollars to left-wing organizations and for hosting hundreds of “pop-up groups”—websites designed to look like standalone nonprofits that are really projects of an Arabella-run nonprofit. [13]

In November 2019, Politico criticized the Sixteen Thirty Fund, the 501(c)(4) advocacy wing of Arabella’s nonprofit network, as a “little-known,” “massive ‘dark money’ group [that] boosted Democrats” in the 2018 midterm elections with $140 million. “The money contributed to efforts ranging from fighting Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and other Trump judicial nominees to boosting ballot measures raising the minimum wage and changing laws on voting and redistricting in numerous states,” the left-leaning website reported. Politico also noted that Sixteen Thirty Fund’s biggest single donation (made anonymously) was for $51.7 million, “more than the group had ever raised before in an entire year before President Donald Trump was elected,” adding that “the group’s 2018 fundraising surpassed any amount ever raised by a left-leaning political nonprofit.” [14]

The left-leaning Washington Post further criticized Arabella’s Sixteen Thirty Fund as a “big campaign donor” in a November 21, 2019 opinion by the editorial board, which called on Congress to change nonprofit disclosure laws, noting in particular a $26.7 million anonymous donation to the Fund. [15] However, the Post also failed to connect the Sixteen Thirty Fund to Arabella Advisors and its other three nonprofits.

In a November 24, 2019 letter to the editor published by the Washington Post, Capital Research Center president Scott Walter identified the $26.7 million donation as originating with the New Venture Fund, the largest of Arabella’s in-house nonprofits, and confirmed Politico’s suspicion that the Sixteen Thirty Fund is “part of a larger network of dark money.” [16]

Seed Capital from the Left

The Sixteen Thirty Fund is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. According to its original filings with the IRS (archived here), the group received $350,745 in seed capital in 2009 from five left-wing organizations, including the scandal-ridden ACORN, which collapsed in 2010. [17]

Americans United for Change (AUFC) has been characterized as a “dark money group” by the left-leaning Sunlight Foundation for its support of left-wingcauses and Democratic Party candidates. The group is headed by Brad Woodhouse, a controversial Democratic operative who also runs Protect Our Care, a project of the Sixteen Thirty Fund. [18] AUFC is heavily funded by labor unions, including the AFL-CIO and AFSCME. [19]

ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) is a now-defunct community organizing network that once had hundreds of affiliates nationwide. The group, which provided voter registration and mobilization efforts for left-wing causes beginning in the 1970s, disbanded in 2010 after declaring bankruptcy following a loss of federal funding. [20]

USAction was a center-left advocacy nonprofit created by activist Heather Booth in 1999 as a successor to the scandal-ridden consumer advocacy group Citizen Action, founded by Ralph Nader in the 1970s. USAction was a key player in the creation of Health Care for America Now (HCAN), a major coalition of center-left groups formed in 2007 to help pass the Democratic Party’s healthcare overhaul bill (which later became Obamacare). [21] HCAN was later revived as a joint project of the Sixteen Thirty Fund and the New Venture Fund, which manages the HCAN Education Fund. [22] In 2016, USAction merged with a number of other left-wing groups to form People’s Action.

The Sierra Club is one of the oldest and most powerful environmentalist organizations in the country, known for funding many activist groups on the Left.

Working America is a center-left labor union characterized as the “community affiliate” of the AFL-CIO. The group was formed in 2003 and claims more than 3 million members, many of whom it encourages to canvass neighborhoods during elections in order to support left-wing and Democratic Party political candidates. [23]

Low-Profile Funding Activities

The Sixteen Thirty Fund keeps a low profile compared with comparable nonprofit organizations. The organization boasts a one-page website, no Facebook page and no Twitter account. The fund has received little news coverage in the past few years. What little press coverage to be found centered on the 2013 effort to recall Democratic sate legislators in Colorado over their votes on a controversial gun-control measure.

That year, Sixteen Thirty Fund donated $35,000 to a Colorado group founded to defended Democratic state Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo) from a recall effort over her votes for more gun control in the state. [24] Giron lost the effort after only 44 percent voted to retain her. [25] During the same recall effort, Sixteen Thirty Fund donated another $35,000 to a group supporting Colorado state Sen. John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), who also supported stricter gun control. [26] Morse also lost the recall vote when 51 percent voted to oust him. [27]

In 2017, the Washington Free Beacon tied the Sixteen Thirty Fund to progressive efforts to hide big money fueling criticism of President Donald Trump’s nominees to several Cabinet-level posts. Targeted nominees included businessman Andy Puzder (who would later withdraw as nominee for Secretary of Labor) and Steven Mnuchin (later confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury). [28]

Another publication, Tax Analysts, noticed Sixteen Thirty Fund’s financial support for “Tax March” rallies planned to protest President Trump’s unwillingness to release his tax returns. It is unclear how much Sixteen Thirty Fund contributed to the march. [29]

“Dark Money” Funder

The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that isn’t required by the IRS to disclose its donors, has been criticized by groups on the political Left and Right as a “dark money” funder.

In 2018, the left-leaning website Politico profiled the Sixteen Thirty Fund, noting that it spent “$141 million on more than 100 left-leaning causes during the [2018] midterm election”: [30]

Sixteen Thirty Fund played a role in the battle for the House of Representatives in 2018, a crucial contest for Democrats trying to seize back power after Trump’s rise. The election featured dozens of Democratic candidates who decried the influence of money in politics on the campaign trail.

In 2015, the Fund provided millions in grants to 29 different organizations. That year, Sixteen Thirty Fund’s largest grant—exceeding $1.9 million—went to the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, the “educational” arm of the League of Conservation Voters, an organization activating and rallying environmentalists to political activism. [31]

Amy Kurtz, Sixteen Thirty Fund’s executive director, has called the organization’s “dark money” spending “just playing by the rules.” [32]

Ballot Initiatives

On September 4, 2018, the Missouri-based Kansas City Star reported a $3 million donation from Sixteen Thirty Fund to Raise Up Missouri, a left-wing PAC seeking to raise the state’s minimum wage to $12 per hour through a 2018 ballot initiative. Sixteen Thirty Fund also reportedly gave $500,000 to the PAC in 2017, and an additional $500,000 to it in May 2018. [33]

2018 Midterm Election

The Sixteen Thirty Fund spent approximately $740,000 in independent expenditures and electioneering communications during the 2018 midterm election.[34]

Sixteen Thirty Fund: 2018 Midterm Outside Spending
Sixteen Thirty Fund ProjectAmountExpenditure Type
Demand Justice$317,696Electioneering Communications
Floridians for a Fair Shake$286,113Electioneering Communications
Floridians for a Fair Shake$7,537Independent Expenditure
SoCal Healthcare Coalition$120,149Electioneering Communications
SoCal Healthcare Coalition$5,875Independent Expenditure
Ohioans for Economic Opportunity$2,721Independent Expenditure
Sum:$740,091

Lobbying for H.R. 1 (2019-2020)

In November 2019, the Sixteen Thirty Fund hired lobbyists Dana Singiser of Keefe Strategies and former chief of staff to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) Maura Keefe to lobby in favor of H.R. 1, an anti-dark money campaign finance and ethics reform bill (named the “For the People Act 2019”) that passed the House in March, 2019. [35] The bill aims to expand access to voting, create stronger ethics rules for public servants, and combat the influence of money in politics. [36]

In September 2020, Sixteen Thirty Fund executive director Amy Kurtz explained to NBC News that her organization lobbied for H.R. 1: [37]

We support and have lobbied in favor of reform to the current campaign finance system (through H.R. 1), but we are equally committed to following the current laws to level the playing field for progressives in this election.

2020 Presidential Election

The New York Times reported in July 2020 that the Sixteen Thirty Fund had donated $5.7 million to the Democratic super PAC American Bridge 21st Century, which had paid for multiple advertisements critical of President Trump in key battleground states. [38]

The Sixteen Thirty Fund spent $4.3 million in electioneering communications (political ads) in the 2020 election: [39]

Sixteen Thirty Fund: 2020 Election Outside Spending
Sixteen Thirty Fund ProjectAmountExpenditure Type
Demand Justice $3,732,553 Electioneering Communications
Health Care Voter $425,000 Electioneering Communications
Democracy for All 2021 $105,372 Electioneering Communications
Protect Our Care $84,748 Electioneering Communications
Total: $4,347,673

According to its Form 990 filing (archived here), the Sixteen Thirty Fund spent $13,240,753 on political campaign activities in 2019. [40] That included grants to Democratic-supported PACs:

  • Change Now Inc.: $25,000
  • Forward Majority Action: $290,000
  • Future Forward USA PAC: $1,415,274
  • House Majority PAC: $500,000
  • League of Conservation Voters Victory Fund: $6,787,500
  • Real Justice PAC: $100,000
  • National Democratic County Officials: $50,000
  • Senate Majority Project: $100,000

In the 2019-2020 election cycle, the Sixteen Thirty Fund donated $43.5 million to PACs and super PACs aligned with Democrats: [41]

Recipient PACYearContribution
Victory 20202020$5,700,000
Change Now2020$3,500,000
Unite the Country2020$3,500,000
Priorities USA Action2020$3,500,000
Take Back 20202020$3,150,000
NextGen Climate Action Committee2020$2,500,000
Black PAC2020$2,250,000
AB (American Bridge) PAC2020$2,200,000
AB (American Bridge) PAC2020$2,000,000
Victory 20202020$2,000,000
PACRONYM2020$2,000,000
Forward Majority Action2020$1,500,000
Change Now2020$1,500,000
Future Forward USA PAC2020$1,500,000
Future Forward USA PAC2020$1,415,274
NextGen Climate Action Committee2020$1,200,000
Future Forward USA PAC2020$1,000,000
House Majority PAC2019$500,000
Sunrise PAC2020$500,000
Change Now2020$400,000
The Lincoln Project2020$300,000
Forward Majority Action2020$250,000
Forward Majority Action2019$250,000
Family Friendly Action PAC2020$110,000
People's Action Power2020$100,000
Real Justice PAC2019$100,000
Change Now2020$100,000
Unite the Country2020$100,000
Family Friendly Action PAC2020$50,000
National Democratic County Officials2019$50,000
Montana Hunters and Anglers Leadership Fund2020$50,000
Working Families Party (WFP) Independent Expenditure Committee2020$50,000
Change Now2020$47,003
Forward Majority Action2020$30,000
Change Now2019$25,000
Change Now2020$19,402
Change Now2020$12,089
Change Now2020$1,184
Change Now2019$655
Change Now2019$230
Change Now2019$21
Change Now2019$20
Change Now2020$20
Change Now2019$20
Change Now2020$19
Change Now2019$19
Change Now2020$19
Change Now2019$19
Change Now2020$19
Change Now2019$19
Change Now2019$18
Change Now2019$18
Change Now2019$17
Change Now2019$17
Change Now2020$17
Change Now2019$17
Grand Total:$43,461,136

Major recipients of Sixteen Thirty Fund contributions include Victory 2020, a Democrat-aligned PAC (created to support American Bridge 21st Century and Unite the Country) whose total revenues (as of September 2020) were $5.9 million, $5.7 million of which came from Sixteen Thirty Fund; Unite the Country, a super PAC created in 2019 to help 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden; American Bridge 21st Century, which creates political advertisements attacking Republicans; House Majority PAC, a PAC that helps Democratic politicians running for the House of Representatives; and PACRONYM, a PAC responsible for numerous anti-Republican political advertisements and aligned with the advocacy organization ACRONYM. [42]

Sixteen Thirty donated $1.5 million in July 2020 to Future Forward PAC (FF PAC), which the Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets) describes as a “pro-Biden super PAC” that funded its “$100 million ad campaign with ‘dark money.'” FF PAC targeted Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Florida on President Trump’s COVID-19 policies. [43]

Sixteen Thirty also donated $300,000 in August 2020 to the Lincoln Project, a “NeverTrump” PAC of former Republican political operatives that attacked Republicans in the 2020 election. Sixteen Thirty was the Lincoln Project’s third-largest donor and its single largest organizational donor. [44]

Project Activism in the 2020 Election

A number of Sixteen Thirty Fund projects were involved in aiding Democrats and hurting Republicans in the 2020 election.

Family Friendly Michigan ran multiple Facebook advertisements targeting Republican Senate candidate John James (MI) under the disclaimer “Family Friendly Action PAC.” However, Family Friendly Michigan’s other Facebook advertisements identify the group as part of the Sixteen Thirty Fund. [45]

Fix Our Senate

On June 3, 2021, Fix Our Senate along with over 100 other left-of-center activist groups sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) with a renewed call to end the filibuster on investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. [46] Fix Our Senate is an affiliate of the Sixteen Thirty Fund. The letter stated that:

The Republicans could not even support a bipartisan investigation into a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol reflects dangerously misplaced priorities: they have chosen party over country, obstruction over progress, and Trump over democracy. In the face of Republicans’ inability and unwillingness to defend our democracy, it is clearer than ever that the filibuster needs to be eliminated. [47]

The letter also referenced the GOP’s attempts to block the For the People Act, which is designed to expand vote-by-mail and establish an “alternative campaign funding system” for certain federal offices. [48] [49]

Facebook Ads

In 2020, the Sixteen Thirty Fund ran at least 250 advertisements on Facebook under a number of its projects. Because Facebook’s Ad Library only offers a range of cost per advertisement, a minimum and maximum total for each ad is provided below: [50]

Sixteen Thirty Fund Project: 2020MonthAmount MinAmount MaxIssue 
Democracy for All 2021 ActionAugust$300$399HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionAugust$0$100HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionJuly/August$400$499HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionJuly$800$899HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionAugust$0$100HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionAugust$0$100HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionJuly$800$899HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionJuly/August$0$100HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionJuly/August$400$499HEROES ACT
Democracy for All 2021 ActionJuly$800$899HEROES ACT
Family Friendly Michigan*March$1,500 $2,000 Covid Relief*Removed for violating ad policy
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*May$400$499Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*July-September$100$199Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*March$0$100Covid Relief*Removed for violating ad policy
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$800$899Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$2,500 $3,000 Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*May$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*May$600$699Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*July-September$3,000 $3,500 Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*June/July$300$399Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$100$199Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*March$4,500 $5,000 Covid Relief*Removed for violating ad policy
Family Friendly Michigan*March$4,000 $4,500 Covid Relief*Removed for violating ad policy
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Michigan*August/September$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*February$4,000 $4,500 Paid Leave
Family Friendly Wisconsin*$100$199Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$3,500 $4,000 Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$0$100Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*July/August$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*July/August$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*July/August$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*February/March$6,000 $7,000 Child care
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*$400$499Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$4,000 $4,500 Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Healthcare
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$100$199Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*July/August$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$100$199Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*July/August$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*May$400$499Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*February/March$3,500 $4,000 Social Security
Family Friendly Wisconsin*May$400$499Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$100$199Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$200$299Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*February/March$900$999Healthcare
Family Friendly Wisconsin*February$0$100Healthcare
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$1,500 $2,000 Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$0$100Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*July/August$200$299Org. Ad
Family Friendly Wisconsin*March$0$100Covid Relief
Family Friendly Wisconsin*January$100$199Org. Ad
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$700$799Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$600$699Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March/April$2,500 $3,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$400$499Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$300$399Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$0$100Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$400$499Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*May$800$899Trump Covid Response
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$300$399Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$900$999Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$900$999Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$400$499Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March/April$500$599Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$300$399Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March/April$500$599Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$2,500 $3,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March/April$4,000 $4,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$500$599Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*January/February$3,000 $3,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$3,500 $4,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$300$399Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$600$699Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March/April$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*January$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$700$799Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March$2,500 $3,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*June$0$100Health Care Under Trump
I Like Obamacare*March/April$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
I Like Obamacare*March$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
Obamacare*June$0$100Trump Covid Response
Obamacare*June/July$900$999Health Care Under Trump*Same ad as Protect our Care
Protect Our CareJuly/August$900$999Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJune/July$1,000 $1,500 Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly$0$100Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareAugust$200$299Health Care
Protect Our CareMay$100$199Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly/August$1,500 $2,000 Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJune/July$500$599Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly/August$300$399Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly/August$700$799Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJune/July$1,000 $1,500 Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly/August$500$599Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareAugust$100$199Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareSeptember$700$799Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly/August$900$999Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareAugust$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareSeptember$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareAugust/September$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareSeptember$2,500 $3,000 Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareSeptember$500$599Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareOctober$200$299ACB Nomination
Protect Our CareAugust$0$100Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareAugust$1,000 $1,500 Health Care
Protect Our CareAugust/September$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareSeptember$3,000 $3,500 Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJanuary$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJanuary$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJanuary$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareMarch$5,000 $6,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareFebruary$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare Under Trump
Protect Our CareMarch$900$999Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust$500$599Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJune$500$599Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareMay$0$100Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareAugust$1,000 $1,500 Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJuly/August$700$799Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly-September$1,500 $2,000 Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly$200$299Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$3,000 $3,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareMay$100$199Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareSeptember$300$399Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJanuary$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJuly$0$100Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly-September$600$699Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly/August$200$299Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly$0$100Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$3,500 $4,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJuly/August$1,000 $1,500 Health Care
Protect Our CareJune/July$1,000 $1,500 Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareAugust$200$299Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJuly/August$200$299Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareOctober$200$299ACB Nomination
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$1,500 $2,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust$100$199Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$2,500 $3,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$3,000 $3,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareOctober$200$299ACB Nomination
Protect Our CareMay$500$599Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJanuary$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJuly/August$1,000 $1,500 Health Care
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$2,500 $3,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJuly/August$1,500 $2,000 Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJanuary$1,000 $1,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$3,500 $4,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust/September$500$599Sen. Gardner Fact Check
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust$0$100Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$2,500 $3,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust/September$200$299Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareOctober$200$299ACB Nomination
Protect Our CareJanuary$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$3,500 $4,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust$600$699Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareAugust$100$199Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareSeptember$500$599Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJune/July$1,000 $1,500 Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$2,500 $3,000 Healthcare
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$3,000 $3,500 Healthcare
Protect Our CareAugust$100$199Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly/August$300$399Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareMay$0$100Healthcare
Protect Our CareJuly/August$300$399Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareSeptember$600$699Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareOctober$200$299ACB Nomination
Protect Our CareSeptember$0$100Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareAugust$100$199Trump Covid Response
Protect Our CareJuly/August$200$299Health Care Under Trump
Protect Our CareJanuary/February$2,000 $2,500 Healthcare
Total:$176,400 $234,111

Local Election Intervention

In May 2021, it was revealed that the Sixteen Thirty Fund had funneled $35,000 into a group supporting Democratic Anchorage mayoral candidate Forrest Dunbar. The funding came to light following an FEC complaint filed by Americans for Public Trust, a right-leaning watchdog group. [51] [52]

“Fake” Groups

Known Sixteen Thirty Fund Projects

Controversies

“Dark Money” Criticism from the Left and Right

Arabella and its nonprofit network have been criticized as “dark money” funders both for channeling hundreds of millions of dollars to left-wing organizations and for hosting hundreds of “pop-up groups”—websites designed to look like standalone nonprofits that are really projects of an Arabella-run nonprofit. [53]

In April 2021, the New York Times criticized Arabella’s “system of political financing, which often obscures the identities of donors,” as “dark money,” calling the network “a leading vehicle for it on the Left.” [54] In May 2021, the New York Times identified Sixteen Thirty Fund as one of the “leading dark money spenders on the Left” for quietly supporting Democrats with more than $63 million in super PAC donations that hurt Republicans in the 2020 election, as well for “help[ing] create and fund dozens of groups, including some that worked to block Mr. Trump’s nominees and push progressive appointments by Mr. Biden.” [55]

In November 2019, Politico criticized the Sixteen Thirty Fund, the 501(c)(4) advocacy wing of Arabella’s nonprofit network, as a “little-known,” “massive ‘dark money’ group [that] boosted Democrats” in the 2018 midterm elections with $140 million. “The money contributed to efforts ranging from fighting Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and other Trump judicial nominees to boosting ballot measures raising the minimum wage and changing laws on voting and redistricting in numerous states,” the left-leaning website reported. Politico also noted that Sixteen Thirty Fund’s biggest single donation (made anonymously) was for $51.7 million, “more than the group had ever raised before in an entire year before President Donald Trump was elected,” adding that “the group’s 2018 fundraising surpassed any amount ever raised by a left-leaning political nonprofit.” [56] However, Politico failed to tie the Sixteen Thirty Fund to Arabella Advisors’ nonprofit network.

The left-leaning Washington Post further criticized Arabella’s Sixteen Thirty Fund as a “big campaign donor” in a November 21, 2019 opinion by the editorial board, which called on Congress to change nonprofit disclosure laws, noting in particular a $26.7 million anonymous donation to the Fund. [57] However, the Post also failed to connect the Sixteen Thirty Fund to Arabella Advisors and its other three nonprofits.

In a November 24, 2019 letter to the editor published by the Washington Post, Capital Research Center president Scott Walter identified the $26.7 million donation as originating with the New Venture Fund, the largest of Arabella’s in-house nonprofits, and confirmed Politico’s suspicion that the Sixteen Thirty Fund is “part of a larger network of dark money.” [58]

In November 2020 Politico called the Sixteen Thirty Fund a “liberal dark-money behemoth” and “one of the Left’s biggest financial hubs” for raising $137 million in 2019, much of which was spent on an “eight-figure ad campaign attacking Republican senators.” Politico also noted that “more than half of the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s money came from just three anonymous sources in 2019” and it made grants to over “100 different liberal organizations” that year. [59]

Illegal Election Intervention Complaint (2021)

On May 15, 2021, the right-leaning watchdog Americans for Public Trust (APT) filed a complaint (archived here) with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which oversees political groups’ spending, alleging violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act by Hansjorg Wyss, the Wyss Foundation, the Berger Action Fund, the New Venture Fund (in its capacity as the parent of the Hub Project), and Sixteen Thirty Fund. [60] According to APT, “Mr. Wyss indirectly funded federal electoral advocacy through his nonprofit organizations,” failing to set them up as political action committees (PACs), and “the intended recipient of these funds was ultimately a variety of organizations whose primary purpose is to engage in electoral advocacy.”

Organizations which receive contributions in excess of $1,000 or makes contributions in excess of $1,000 in a calendar year is considered a PAC for the major purpose of influencing elections. PACs are subject to strict financial reporting requirements that 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) nonprofits are not. [61] The complaint points out that the Wyss Foundation, Berger Action Fund, and New Venture Fund, which are all 501(c) nonprofits, have failed to file a statement of organization with the FEC, despite Wyss contributing at least $56.5 million from the Wyss Foundation to the New Venture Fund and another $135 from the Berger Action Fund to the Sixteen Thirty Fund. The 501(c)(4) Sixteen Thirty Fund spent $30 million influencing the 2018 midterm elections in order to favor Democratic candidates, “thereby triggering classification as a political committee,” according to APT.

U.S. law strictly prohibits foreign nationals from making direct or indirect contributions to political action committees. [62] Wyss, who was born in Switzerland, resides in the U.S. under an “E-2 VISA” (which is intended for foreign investors who live and work in the country) and “is not a permanent resident of the U.S. under a ‘green card,'” according to his attorney. [63] The complaint cites $41,000 in illegal federal campaign contributions Wyss paid between 1998 and 2003, claiming that, “Since that time, [Wyss] has made indirect contributions and expenditures by means of an intricate network of organizations in a scheme to obscure his role as the source of these funds.” [64]

APT alleges that Wyss established the Hub Project, a front for the “dark money” funder New Venture Fund and the recipient of significant funding from the Wyss Foundation, in order “to avoid any connection with the sizeable election activities carried out by the Hub Project and Change Now,” a super PAC associated with the Hub Project. “Operating since 2015
without the requisite FEC filing,” APT writes, “the Hub Project has been immune to any oversight and accountability despite significant spending in federal election.” It adds:

The Hub Project has served as a vehicle for the political spending of Mr. Wyss. This is demonstrated by the fact that Mr. Wyss has not publicly disclosed his role in founding the Hub Project. Neither his influence nor his financial support can be found anywhere on the group’s website. Rather, information regarding his involvement with the Hub Project was the result of “interviews with five people with knowledge of The Hub Project, an internal memo from another liberal group that was obtained by The New York Times.”

Hiding Political Agenda Behind “Fake News Sites”

The nonprofit watchdog OpenSecrets (published by the Center for Responsive Politics) reported in May 2020 on Arabella’s involvement in numerous “fake news sites,” pouring millions of untraceable dollars into advertisements and other digital content “masquerading as news coverage to influence the 2020 election.” [65]

OpenSecrets identified five Facebook pages (Colorado Chronicle, Daily CO, Nevada News Now, Silver State Sentinel, Verified Virginia) that “gave the impression of multiple free-standing local news outlets,” but are in fact “merely fictitious names used by the Sixteen Thirty Fund,” Arabella’s 501(c)(4) lobbying nonprofit. [66] These pages published Facebook political advertisements that favored Democrats and left-wing causes during the 2020 election. After the report was published a number of these pages were deleted.

States Newsroom, which runs another network of left-wing “fake news” websites, was originally created as “Newsroom Network,” a project of the Arabella-run 501(c)(3) Hopewell Fund. In June 2019, States Newsroom was spun off as an independent nonprofit with its own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, but a number of its local affiliates are used by the Hopewell Fund as its own legal aliases. [67]

While States Newsroom does not disclose its donors (and is not required to by the IRS), [68]

IRS application records obtained by OpenSecrets show the States Newsroom was offered a $1 million donation from the Wyss Foundation, a private foundation primarily funded by Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, who made his fortune as CEO of a controversial medical device manufacturer called Synthes.

A financial statement in the IRS records obtained by OpenSecrets shows that the States Newsroom plans to bring in more than $27 million in contributions before the end of 2021.

And in 2018 the Hopewell Fund gave $1.72 million to News for Democracy, which OpenSecrets points out “was at the crux of a network of seemingly independent Facebook pages disguised as news outlets that started spending on digital ads in 2018,” with backing from the Sixteen Thirty Fund and Investing in US, an investment vehicle funded by LinkedIn founder and liberal billionaire Reid Hoffman. [69]

Also among these “dark money” groups was ACRONYM, which raised $9.4 million from “secret donors” through April 2019, including $250,000 from Arabella’s 501(c)(3) New Venture Fund. ACRONYM is affiliated with a super PAC, PACRONYM, which spent close to $18 million aiding Democrats and hurting Republicans through independent expenditures in the 2020 election. [70] ACRONYM also owns and operates Courier Newsroom, which in turn manages a network of left-wing websites that present themselves as local news outlets while spreading “hyperlocal partisan propaganda,” according to the centrist watchdog Newsguard. [71] Courier Newsroom spent at least $20,000 in digital advertising campaigns on Facebook between March 2019 and May 2020; its total spending in Facebook ads as of June 2021 is nearly $1.4 million. [72] [73]

Leadership

Eric Kessler, a former Clinton administration environmental policy staffer who also serves as principal of liberal philanthropic and investment strategy firm Arabella Advisors, is president of Sixteen Thirty Fund. [74] He additionally serves as the board chair for the New Venture Fund. [75] More than 100 progressive organizations boast connections to Kessler and the New Venture Fund. [76]

Amy Kurtz is executive director of the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a position she’s held since November 2019. [77]

Board of Directors

From 2016 to 2019, the Sixteen Thirty Fund board of directors has consisted of: [78]

  • Arabella Advisors principal Eric Kessler (board chair)
  • Albright Stonebridge Group senior adviser Michael Madnik, who resigned from the board in July 2018
  • Democratic Party consultant and former Hillary Clinton 2008 campaign spokesman Douglas Hattaway (board secretary)
  • Arabella Advisors chief financial officer Wilbur Priester, who resigned from the board in September 2019
  • Arabella Advisors general counsel Andrew Schulz, who resigned from the board in September 2019
  • American Democracy Institute vice president Dara Freed (board treasurer)
  • Former Democratic PAC staffer Monica Dixon, who resigned from the board in September 2019
  • Latino Victory Project president Cristobal Alex, who resigned from the board in February 2019
  • Hill-Snowdon Foundation executive director Nathaniel Chioke Williams, who resigned from the board in February 2019
  • Jeff Cherry, founder of the consultancy Conscious Ventures Partners

Key Staff

All of Sixteen Thirty Fund’s IRS Form 990 filings from 2009 to 2019 show zero employees. Instead, as stated in the organization’s 2017, 2018, and 2019 Form 990 filings, “New Venture Fund (NVF) is the paymaster for all managed organizations under Arabella for payroll[.] NVF pays the salary and immediately invoices Sixteen Thirty Fund, which pays the full amount back[.]” [79]

In Sixteen Thirty Fund’s 2019 Form 990 the text is: “New Venture Fund is the payroll reporting agent for Sixteen Thirty Fund under the IRS common paymaster rules. Under the arrangement, Sixteen Thirty Fund reimburses New Venture Fund for its allocated share of salaries and benefits, which is reported on Form 990, Part VII.” [80]

In 2019, the Sixteen Thirty Fund noted the following key employees: [81]

  • Brad Woodhouse, project director (2019 total compensation: $203,992; Woodhouse worked 16 hours per week in 2019, which amounts to just over $245 per hour)
  • Ryan Johnson, project director (2019 total compensation: $210,951), former director of the Fairness Project (a Sixteen Thirty Fund grant recipient) [82]
  • Arkadi Gerney, project director (2019 total compensation: $145,468; Gerney worked 8 hours per week in 2019, which amounts to just under $350 per hour)
  • Patricia “Patty” Kupfer, campaigns director (2019 total compensation: $145,108), a former managing director for America’s Voice (a major Sixteen Thirty Fund grant recipient) from 2008-2015 and former activist for Colorado Families for a Fair Wage [83] [84] [85]
  • Carl Walz, campaigns director (2019 total compensation: $136,412)

Lobbying

Between 2014 and 2020 (Quarter 4), the Sixteen Thirty Fund spent nearly $2.5 million in lobbying expenditures in the U.S. Congress (a version with the bills lobbied for is available here): [86]

YearQuarterAmountLobbyistLobbying Firm
20204$40,000Fontenot, YvetteAvenue Solutions
20203$40,000Fontenot, YvetteAvenue Solutions
20202$40,000Fontenot, YvetteAvenue Solutions
20201$40,000Fontenot, YvetteAvenue Solutions
20194$40,000Fontenot, YvetteAvenue Solutions
20193$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20193$40,000Daniel Ritter, Tim Peckinpaugh, Kathleen Nicholas, Slade Gorton, Pamela Garvie, Paul Stimers, Laurie Purpuro, James WalshK&L Gates LLP
20193$190,000Daniel SchumanSixteen Thirty Fund
20193$10,000Maria Price, Robert Raben, Joe Onek, Diego Sanchez Gallardo, Timothy Lynch, Lawrence Gonzakez, Marit VangrowThe Raben Group
20192$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20192$40,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Slade GortonK&L Gates LLP
20192$160,000Daniel SchumanSixteen Thirty Fund
20191$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20191$90,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Eli SchooleyK&L Gates LLP
20191$110,000Daniel SchumanSixteen Thirty Fund
20184$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20184$50,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, James Walsh, Tim PeckinpaughK&L Gates LLP
20184$10,000Sean VitkaPale Blue LLC
20184$530,000Daniel SchumanSixteen Thirty Fund
20183$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20183$60,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, James Walsh, Kathleen Nicholas, Slade Gorton, Tim Peckinpaugh, Dennis Potter, W. Dennis StephensK&L Gates LLP
20183$10,000Sean VitkaPale Blue LLC
20183$150,000Daniel SchumanSixteen Thirty Fund
20182$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20182$60,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, James Walsh, Kathleen Nicholas, John McHugh, Slade Gorton, Amanda Makki, Tim PeckinpaughK&L Gates LLP
20182$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20182$10,000Sean VitkaPale Blue LLC
20181$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20181$40,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, James Walsh, Kathleen Nicholas, Dennis Pooter, John McHughK&L Gates LLP
20181$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20181$10,000Sean VitkaPale Blue LLC
20174$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20174$30,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, James Walsh, Kathleen Nicholas, W. Dennis Stephens, Dennis Potter, John McHugh, Nicholas LeibhamK&L Gates LLP
20174$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20174$10,000Sean VitkaPale Blue LLC
20173$10,000Robert EpplinEpplin Strategic Planning
20173$15,000Richard HealyHealy Consulting Group
20173$30,000Daniel Ritter, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, James Walsh, Tim Peckinpaugh, Kathleen Nicholas, W. Dennis Stephens, Dennis PotterK&L Gates LLP
20173$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20172$10,000Robert EpplinEpplin Strategic Planning
20172$30,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, Slade Gorton, James Walsh, Barton Gordon, Tim Peckinpaugh, Kathleen NicholasK&L Gates LLP
20172$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20171$30,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, Steven Valentine, Slad Gorton, Tim Peckinpaugh, W. Dennis StephensK&L Gates LLP
20171$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20164$20,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, W. Dennis StephensK&L Gates LLP
20164$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20163$20,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, W. Dennis StephensK&L Gates LLP
20163$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20162$20,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, Slade Gorton, W. Dennis StephensK&L Gates LLP
20162$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20161$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, Slade Gorton, W. Dennis StephensK&L Gates LLP
20161$10,000Michele WymerKyle House Group
20161$10,000Sean VitkaPale Blue LLC
20154$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, Slade Gorton, W. Dennis StephensK&L Gates LLP
20153$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, Slade GortonK&L Gates LLP
20152$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, Slade Gorton, Dennis PotterK&L Gates LLP
20151$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, Slade GortonK&L Gates LLP
20144$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Sean McGlynn, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, Slade Gorton, W. Dennis Stephens Nicholas LeibhamK&L Gates LLP
20144$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, James Walsh, Steven Valentine, W. Dennis Stephens, Dennis Potter, Ryan SeversonK&L Gates LLP
20143$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Steven Valentine, W. Dennis Stephens, James Walsh, Nicholas Leibham, Sean McGlynn, Emanuel Rouvelas, Barton Gordon, William KirkK&L Gates LLP
20142$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Steven Valentine, W. Dennis Stephens, James Walsh, Dennis Potter, Nicholas Leibham, Barton Gordon, Sean McGlynn, William Kirk, Scott Aliferis, Tricia Markwood, Amy CarnevaleK&L Gates LLP
20141$40,000Daniel Ritter, Paul Stimers, Steven Valentine, W. Dennis Stephens, James WalshK&L Gates LLP
Total:$2,625,000

Funding

Financial Overview

Sixteen Thirty Fund: Financial Overview (2009-2019)
Total RevenuesTotal ExpendituresGrants PaidNet Assets
2019$138,371,684$98,641,867$64,973,649$82,358,064
2018$143,837,877$141,396,752$91,386,301$42,513,247
2017$79,559,836$46,893,083$13,336,144$39,872,122
2016$21,258,592$19,660,860$14,584,591$7,205,369
2015$5,617,209$8,660,897$6,768,578$5,607,637
2014$16,523,735$10,880,643$9,719,545$8,651,325
2013$5,269,965$2,721,133$1,322,500$3,008,233
2012$812,500$353,098$152,500$459,401
2011$93,600$93,600--
2010-$447,394$146,569-
2009$4,828,000$4,380,606$3,336,624$447,394
Grand Total:$416,172,998$334,129,933$205,727,001

The Sixteen Thirty Fund’s revenues grew 1,547 percent between 2009 and 2017.

From 2018 to 2019, the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s revenues decreased from $143.8 million to $138.7 million, a decrease of 3.8 percent. [87]

From 2017 to 2018, the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s revenues increased from $79.6 million to $143.8 million, an increase of 80.8 percent. [88]

From 2016 to 2017, the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s revenues increased from $21.3 million to $79.6 million, an increase of 274 percent. [89]

From 2015 to 2016, the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s revenues increased from $5.6 million to $21.3 million, an increase of 278 percent. [90]

Donors to Sixteen Thirty Fund

As a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, the Sixteen Thirty Fund isn’t required by the IRS to report its donors.

The Washington Free Beacon reported that the Sixteen Thirty Fund received $860,000 from four labor unions in 2015 and 2016, including the AFL-CIO and the National Education Association. [91]

In 2017, the left-leaning group Avaaz Foundation granted $10,000 to Sixteen Thirty for “US Tax March,” likely indicating support for the Sixteen Thirty-run project Tax March, which lobbies for greater taxes on the wealthy. [92]

Sixteen Thirty Fund also received over $4.5 million from the Atlantic Philanthropies, a Bermuda-based philanthropic enterprise that funded left-of-center organizations. [93] Other known funders of Sixteen Thirty include the Tides Foundation. [94]

In 2018, Politico identified a handful of liberal donors to the Fund: [95]

The group does disclose the amount of money of each donation, which shows several strikingly large contributions: One donor gave the group $51,705,000; a second gave $26,747,561 and a third gave $10,000,000. And The Hub Project disclosed three of its donors in 2017: Seattle venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, the union American Federation of Teachers and the Wyss Foundation, founded by businessman and environmentalist Hansjörg Wyss.

The second donor noted above is likely the New Venture Fund, since it shows a $26,747,561 grant to the Sixteen Thirty Fund for “capacity building.” [96]

The following are all known grants and donors to the Sixteen Thirty Fund from 2010 to 2018 (excluding the Arabella-run nonprofits Hopewell Fund and New Venture Fund): [97]

DonorAmountYearDescription
AFSCME$120,000 2018General Support
Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation$52,500 2018Net Neutrality
Communications Workers of America (AFL-CIO CLC)$50,000 2018General Support
Democracy Fund Voice$650,000 2018Law Works Action
Democracy Fund Voice$100,000 2018Demand Progress Action
Denver Area Educational Telecommunications Consortium$11,000 2018Demand Progress
Fairness Project$600,000 2018Program Services
Grove Action Fund$25,000 2018All Above All
Instructional Telecommunications Foundation$100,000 2018Net Neutrality
NextGen Climate Action$128,000 2018The Townhall Project
Planned Parenthood Action Fund$250,000 2018To support public affairs programs
State Engagement Fund$2,045,000 2018To support nonpartisan voter engagement and mobilization
Tides Advocacy$195,000 2018Equality and Human Rights
Tides Foundation$30,000 2018Economic development
AFL-CIO$10,000 2017General Contribution
AFSCME$120,000 2017General Support
Avaaz Foundation$10,000 2017US Tax March
Center for Community Change Action$50,000 2017Childcare Jobs
Center for Empowered Politics$30,000 2017General Support
Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation$60,000 2017Net Neutrality
Communications Workers of America (AFL-CIO CLC)$25,000 2017General Support
Demand Progress Action$626,298 2017The Fund's purpose is to engage in activism to promote civil liberties, privacy and open government
Democracy Fund Voice$100,000 2017Support for Demand Progress Action
Groundswell Action Fund$50,000 2017-
Instructional Telecommunications Foundation$90,000 2017Net Neutrality
Majority Forward$116,000 2017General Support
National Education Association$800,000 2017Financial Assistance
Public Citizen Foundation$5,000 2017Programatic Support
Tioga Fund$15,000 2017General support
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East$15,000 2016Solidarity Contribution
AFL-CIO$200,000 2016Organizational Support
AFSCME$300,000 2016General Support
All Hands on Deck Network$7,500 2016-
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)$30,000 2016Related Organization Program
Center for Community Change Action$150,000 2016Childcare Jobs
Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation$20,000 2016Net Neutrality
Demand Progress Action$672,292 2016The Fund's purpose is to engage in activism to promote civil liberties, privacy and open government
Instructional Telecommunications Foundation$50,000 2016Voter Registration
National Education Association$550,000 2016Financial Assistance
American Unity Fund$310,000 2015Promote freedom for LGBT Americans
National Education Association$50,000 2015Financial Assistance
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union$10,000 2015General support
AFL-CIO$200,000 2014General Contribution
AFSCME$460,000 2014General Support
National Education Association$75,000 2014Financial Assistance
Western Conservation Action$15,000 2014Conservation Outreach
AFSCME$120,000 2013General Support
AFSCME$50,000 2012General Support
Progressive Future$12,500 2010Program Support
Total:$9,761,090

Grants from Sixteen Thirty Fund

While the Sixteen Thirty Fund primarily provides incubation (or fiscal sponsorship) services, it also pays out millions of dollars in grants each year. The Sixteen Thirty Fund paid $65 million in grants in 2019, $91 million in grants in 2018, $13 million in grants in 2017, $14 million in grants in 2016, and $6 million grants in 2015. [98]

The following is a list of grants from Sixteen Thirty between 2013 and 2019: [99]

Sixteen Thirty Fund Grant RecipientsYearAmount
North Fund2019$9,300,500
America Votes2019$7,060,000
LCV Victory Fund2019$6,787,500
Environment America2019$4,900,000
Rocky Mountain Values2019$4,050,000
Advancing AZ2019$3,950,000
Maine Momentum2019$3,850,000
League of Conservation Voters2019$3,500,000
Iowa Forward2019$2,900,000
Piedmont Rising Inc2019$1,750,000
Future Forward USA PAC2019$1,415,274
Green Tech Action Fund2019$1,000,000
Senate Majority Project2019$1,000,000
Movement Cooperative2019$1,000,000
Center for American Progress Action Fund2019$750,000
Secure Elections Project2019$750,000
Nebraskans for Responsible Lending2019$665,000
Fairness Project2019$625,000
Accountable Justice Action Fund2019$500,000
American Wind Action2019$500,000
House Majority PAC2019$500,000
MobilizeAmerica Inc2019$500,000
New Venture Fund2019$476,800
Center for Community Change Action2019$300,000
Forward Majority Action2019$290,000
Colorofchange.org2019$250,000
Forward Florida Action2019$250,000
Cooperative Impact Lab2019$250,000
Maine People's Alliance2019$200,000
New Day Nevada Inc2019$200,000
Family Friendly Action Fund2019$194,500
Moving NC Forward Inc2019$190,000
Secure Democracy2019$175,000
Iowa Citizen Action Network2019$170,000
Living United for Change in Arizona2019$165,000
American Bridge 21st Century2019$150,000
High Ground Action Fund2019$150,000
The Arena2019$150,000
Virginia New Majority2019$149,000
Opportunities for All Floridians Inc2019$138,000
Families Against Mandatory Minimums2019$125,000
Save My Country Action Fund2019$125,000
Tides Advocacy2019$109,137
Better Pennsylvania2019$100,000
Coloradans for Prosperity2019$100,000
Gun Violence Prevention Aciton Committee2019$100,000
Heartland Forward2019$100,000
League of Women Voters of Ohio2019$100,000
Ohio Organizing Campaign2019$100,000
Our Voice Our Vote Airzona2019$100,000
Prosperity Michigan2019$100,000
Protect Minnesota Advocacy Fund2019$100,000
Real Justice PAC2019$100,000
Center for Popular Democracy Action Fund2019$92,000
Opportunity Arizona2019$91,000
Arizonans for Secure Elections2019$90,000
Maryland Citizens Health2019$85,000
Maine Gun Safety Coalition2019$80,000
Ceasefire Pensylvania2019$75,000
Hoosier Action Inc2019$75,000
Progress North Carolina Action2019$74,000
Conservation Colorado2019$70,000
Momsrising Together2019$70,000
RuralOrganizing.org2019$70,000
Alaska AFL-CIO2019$65,000
Mainers for Working Families2019$62,498
Arizona Wins2019$61,268
Colorado Ceasefire Legislative Action2019$60,000
Common Cause2019$60,000
Clean Energy Economy Minnesota2019$50,000
Colorado People's Action2019$50,000
Communities Creating Opportunity Action2019$50,000
Mothering Justice Action Fund2019$50,000
National Democratic County Officials2019$50,000
Neo Philanthropy Action Fund Inc2019$50,000
Nevada Conservation League2019$50,000
One Apia Nevada2019$50,000
Renew Oregon Action Fund2019$50,000
Stand Up For Ohio2019$50,000
We The People Pennsylvania Action2019$50,000
Hopewell Fund2019$42,238
ProgressNow Colorado2019$40,000
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence2019$40,000
State Engagement Fund2019$35,000
Woman Project2019$35,000
ProgressNow2019$33,750
Maryland Family Network2019$30,707
Conservation Minnesota Voter Center2019$30,000
Ohioans for Making Every Vote Matter2019$30,000
Our Missouri Inc2019$27,300
Alliance for Retired Americans2019$25,000
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center2019$25,000
Change Now Inc2019$25,000
Coalition for DC Representation in Congress Education Fund2019$25,000
Georgia Engaged Inc2019$25,000
Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice2019$25,000
New Jersey Organizing Project2019$25,000
TakeAction Minnesota2019$25,000
Way to Win Action Fund2019$25,000
Progress Texas2019$24,000
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence2019$20,000
Cultivate Team LLC2019$20,000
Represent.Us2019$20,000
Young Women United2019$20,000
NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia2019$19,000
NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia2019$15,000
OneVirginia20212019$10,677
Connecticut Citizen Action Group2019$10,000
Leaders Igniting Transformation Action Fund2019$10,000
Patrick Rynard DBA PRPR LLC2019$10,000
Progressive State Leaders Committee2019$10,000
Social Good Fund2019$6,000
America Votes2018$27,150,000
League of Conservation Voters2018$8,000,000
Nevadans for Secure elections2018$6,250,000
Count MI Vote2018$6,000,000
Raise up Missouri2018$4,241,000
Save Our Neighborhoods2018$3,500,000
Stop Deceptive Amendments2018$3,500,000
Change Now Inc.2018$2,822,500
Floridians for a Fair Democracy2018$2,650,000
Coloradans for Fairness2018$2,500,000
Coloradans to Stop Predatory Payday Loans2018$2,075,000
Michigan Time to Come2018$1,760,000
Fund for a Better Future Inc.2018$1,750,000
Arkansas for a Fair Wage2018$1,346,000
Environmental Defense Action Fund2018$1,000,000
Forward Majority Action2018$1,000,000
Good Jobs Colorado2018$920,000
State Engagement Fund2018$787,918
New Venture Fund2018$778,000
Alliance for Youth Action2018$750,000
Center for Popular Democracy2018$701,500
The Fairness Project2018$697,000
Justice Colorado2018$600,000
No Cuts to Care PAC2018$600,000
Coloradans Creating Opportunities2018$545,000
Center for American Progress2018$500,000
Ohio Safe and Healthy Communities Campaign2018$500,000
Our Colorado Values2018$500,000
Florida for All, Inc.2018$480,000
North Carolina Citizens for Protecting our Schools2018$400,000
Environment America2018$357,300
Progress North Carolina Action2018$355,000
Progress Now2018$335,688
Kansas Values Institute2018$325,000
Maine People's Alliance2018$250,713
Color of Change Education Fund2018$250,000
Michigan League or Responsible Voters2018$250,000
Promote the Vote2018$250,000
Progress Michigan2018$240,000
Network2018$225,000
Make North Carolina First2018$223,000
American Bridge 21st Century2018$200,000
The Arena2018$200,000
ProgressNow Colorado2018$191,700
One PA2018$188,000
Vote No on Amendment 1, Inc.2018$150,000
Common Cause2018$125,000
Plan Action Fund2018$125,000
Casa In Action2018$100,000
Raise up Massachusetts2018$100,000
Secure Democracy2018$95,000
Arizona Wins2018$93,300
People's Action Institute2018$93,062
Battle Born Progress2018$90,000
Green Tech Action Fund2018$75,000
Momsrising together2018$75,000
Stand Up for Ohio2018$75,000
State Innovation Exchange2018$75,000
Working People of Colorado2018$75,000
State Employers Association of North Carolina2018$73,700
Florida Alliance for Civic Engagement2018$70,000
NC Justice Center2018$70,000
The Hopewell Fund2018$68,112
Fair Maps Colorado2018$68,000
West Virginia Citizen Action Group2018$55,000
Chirlaction Fund2018$50,000
Colorado People's Action2018$50,000
Community Voices Heard Power Inc.2018$50,000
Faith in Public Life Action Fund2018$50,000
hiladelphia Unemployment Project2018$50,000
Kingdom Mission Society2018$50,000
National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund2018$50,000
Promise Arizona in Action2018$50,000
The Movement Cooperative2018$46,250
Alaska Conservation Voters2018$43,500
Citizen Action of New York2018$40,000
Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates Inc.2018$40,000
Run For Something Action Fund2018$40,000
The Arc of the United States2018$40,000
American Cancer Society2018$30,000
The Advocacy Fund2018$27,000
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center2018$25,000
Care in Action, Inc.2018$25,000
PICO Action Fund2018$25,000
Stand Up America PAC2018$25,000
Women's Foundation of California2018$25,000
Citizen Action Illinois2018$20,000
ProgressOhio.org Inc.2018$20,000
Colorado Fiscal Institute2018$17,750
Jannus Inc.2018$17,750
Montana udget and Policy Center2018$17,750
ACT Indiana, Inc.2018$15,000
Social Good Fund2018$15,000
We the People of Florida, Inc.2018$15,000
Women's March, Inc.2018$15,000
Black Youth Project 1002018$12,500
Chicago International Social Change Film Festival2018$12,500
Tides Center2018$12,500
Urban Affairs Coalition2018$12,500
The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Foundation2018$12,000
Citizen Action of New Jersey2018$10,500
Blue Institute Enterprises, Inc.2018$10,000
Collective Future2018$10,000
New Era Colorado Action Fund2018$10,000
Organize Now Inc.2018$10,000
Save the Children Action Network Inc.2018$10,000
Texas Organizing Project2018$10,000
Win Colorado2018$10,000
TakeAction Minnesota Education Fund2018$9,450
215 People's Alliance2018$8,500
Economic Policy Institute2018$6,000
40 Friends (We Care)2018$5,000
Action NC2018$5,000
Latino Victory Project2018$5,000
Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action2018$5,000
Pennsylvania Health Access Fund2018$5,000
League of Conservation Voters (LCV)2017$3,850,000
Partnership Project Action Fund2017$1,160,000
Environment America2017$1,100,000
Mainers for Health Care2017$800,000
Natural Resource Defense Council Action Fund2017$750,000
Raise Up Missouri2017$500,000
Michigan Time To Care2017$400,000
New Venture Fund2017$313,722
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network2017$310,846
Virginia New Majority2017$285,196
Black PAC2017$225,463
ProgressNow2017$221,500
New Jersey Working Families Alliance2017$215,000
Maine People's Alliance2017$215,000
Black Progressive Action Coalition2017$200,000
MoveOn Civic Action2017$170,000
Color of Change2017$150,000
New Florida Majority2017$150,000
Organizing for Action2017$150,000
Black Leadership Organizing Collaborative2017$150,000
Raise Up Massachusetts2017$110,000
Center for American Progress Action Fund2017$110,000
Kingdom Mission Society2017$105,000
Fair Share2017$100,000
Our Revolution2017$100,000
National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund2017$100,000
Faith In Public Life Action Fund2017$98,000
Working Families Organization2017$90,000
California Calls Action Fund2017$75,000
Center for Racial and Gender Equity2017$75,000
Citizen Action of New York2017$65,000
Citizen Action of New Jersey2017$65,000
MomsRising Together2017$60,000
Mijente2017$50,000
America Votes2017$50,000
Advance North Carolina Inc2017$50,000
West Virginia Citizen Action Group2017$50,000
NEO Philanthropy Action Fund Inc2017$41,907
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Action2017$40,000
Promise Arizona In Action2017$40,000
Arizona Wins2017$30,196
Citizen Action of Wisconsin Inc2017$30,000
Center for Community Change Action2017$28,000
Texas Organizing Project2017$25,000
Action Inc2017$25,000
Citizen Action Illinois2017$25,000
Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action2017$25,000
Arkansas Community Organizations2017$25,000
TakeAction Minnesota2017$25,000
Rights and Democracy Project2017$25,000
Organize Now Inc.2017$25,000
Washington Comm Action Network Education and Research Fund2017$25,000
Delawareans for Social and Economic Justice2017$25,000
Bread for the World2017$25,000
Freedman Boyd Hollander Goldberg Urias and Ward PA2017$24,225
Arizonians for Fair Wage and Healthy Families2017$20,000
Missouri Impact Inc2017$15,000
Pennsylvania Health Access Fund2017$15,000
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Inc2017$15,000
Tennessee Citizen Alliance2017$15,000
ProgressNow Education2017$15,000
South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce2017$10,500
The Network2017$10,000
Center for Responsible Lending2017$10,000
US Black Chambers Inc2017$8,000
The Hopewell Fund2017$6,549
Battle Born Progress2017$5,714
Environmental Defense Action Fund2016$1,500,000
League of Conservation Voters2016$1,300,000
Partnership Project Action Fund2016$1,120,000
Civic Participation Action Fund2016$1,100,000
Environment America2016$1,100,000
Sierra Club2016$1,000,000
Every Voice2016$990,000
Center for Community Change Action2016$975,000
For Our Future Action Fund2016$600,000
Majority Forward2016$500,000
Media Matters Action Network2016$429,000
America Votes2016$400,000
New Venture Fund2016$379,964
State Engagement Fund2016$250,000
Colorado Families for a Fair Wage2016$224,500
Greater Wisconsin Committee Inc2016$207,750
Arizonians for Fair Wage and Healthy Families2016$190,000
Represent.Us2016$150,000
Center for American Progress Action Fund2016$125,000
New Virginia Majority2016$120,000
Organize Now Inc.2016$116,900
350 Action2016$100,000
Advance North Carolina Inc2016$100,000
Black Leadership Organizing Collaborative2016$100,000
Color of Change2016$100,000
New Florida Majority Education Fund2016$100,000
New Florida Majority Inc2016$100,000
Wisconsin Progress2016$100,000
Americans United For Change2016$98,860
Center for Racial and Gender Equity2016$50,000
LCV Political Engagement Fund2016$50,000
Make North Carolina First2016$50,000
Ohio Organizing Campaign2016$50,000
Voter Access Institute2016$50,000
Leadership Conference On Civil and Human Rights2016$49,000
Progressive Agenda Committee2016$48,500
Alaska Conservation Voters2016$47,500
Freedom for All Americans2016$37,326
Center for Popular Democracy Action Fund2016$37,000
Emerge Wisconsin2016$35,000
Business Council of Alabama2016$30,000
Community Organizations In Action2016$25,917
Bus Federation Civic Fund2016$25,000
House Majority PAC2016$25,000
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law2016$25,000
New Futures Fund2016$25,000
NILC Immigration Fund2016$25,000
US Global Leadership Campaign2016$25,000
Freedman Boyd Hollander Goldberg Urias and Ward PA2016$22,500
Citizen Action of Wisconsin Inc2016$20,000
Democratic Governors Association2016$20,000
Free Press Action Fund2016$20,000
Living United for Change In Arizona2016$20,000
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Inc2016$20,000
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters2016$20,000
Working Families Organization2016$20,000
All Hands On Deck Network Inc2016$18,000
ProgressNow2016$15,000
One Wisconsin Now2016$14,000
We Are Wisconsin2016$14,000
People for the American Way2016$11,073
Enviornmental Advocates of New York2016$10,000
Maine People's Alliance2016$10,000
Raise Up Washington2016$10,000
Working Families Party National Independent Expenditure Committee2016$10,000
South Dakotans for Responsible Lending2016$9,800
No On U2016$6,000
Fight for the Future Education Fund2016$5,000
League of Conservation Voters Education Fund2015$1,925,000
The Partnership Project Action Fund2015$1,450,000
Environmental Defense Fund2015$675,000
Center for Community Change Action2015$610,000
Fair Share2015$550,000
Environment America2015$475,000
Free Press Action Fund2015$125,000
Americans for Tax Fairness Act2015$100,000
Stand for Children Louisiana Inc2015$80,000
350 Dot Org Action Fund2015$75,000
Color of Change Education Fund2015$75,000
Freedom for All Americans2015$75,000
United Working Families2015$75,000
Louisiana Federation for Children PAC2015$70,000
Demand Progress Action2015$55,000
Earth Day Network2015$55,000
Center for Rights in Action Inc.2015$50,000
Color of Change2015$40,000
The Public Investigator2015$28,578
SumOfUS2015$25,000
US Global Leadership Campaign2015$25,000
Pineros Campesinos Unidos2015$20,000
Presente Action2015$20,000
Citizen Action of Wisconsin2015$14,000
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Inc2015$14,000
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters2015$14,000
New Progressive Network2015$13,000
Bread for the World2015$12,500
Church World Service2015$12,500
Northwest Health Foundation2015$10,000
One Nation Forward2015$5,000
League of Conservation Voters Education Fund2014$1,450,000
The Partnership Project Action Fund2014$1,250,000
Environmental Defense Action Fund2014$1,200,000
Sierra Club2014$900,000
Patriot Majority USA2014$660,000
Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions2014$500,000
American Wind Energy Association2014$350,000
Texas Organizing Project2014$290,000
Mi Familia Vota2014$270,000
America Votes2014$265,000
Center for American Progress2014$250,000
Florida New Majority2014$215,000
Color of Change2014$200,000
Center for Rights in Action Inc.2014$180,000
NAACP National Voter Fund2014$150,000
National Council of La Raza Action Fund2014$140,000
Stand Up for Ohio2014$115,000
CA Calls Action Fund2014$100,000
Voter Access Institute2014$100,000
Ohio Organizing Campaign2014$90,000
New Progressive Network2014$85,000
Higher Heights for America2014$75,000
National Action Network2014$75,000
Power PAC Org.2014$70,000
Advancement Project2014$50,000
Blueprint NC2014$50,000
Latino Victory Project - A Project of the New Venture Fund2014$50,000
Organize Now Inc.2014$50,000
People for the American Way2014$50,000
Pineros Campesinos Unidos2014$50,000
State Voices2014$45,000
Georgia Equality Inc.2014$35,000
Mobilize the Immigrant Vote Action2014$30,000
Wisconsin Voices2014$30,000
Center for Popular Democracy Action Fund2014$25,000
Circ Action Fund2014$25,000
New Era Colorado Action Fund2014$25,000
The People's Lobby2014$25,000
Virginia New Majority2014$25,000
Kenwood Oakland Community Organization2014$20,000
Florida Planned Parenthood2014$15,000
MOSES2014$15,000
TakeAction Minnesota2014$15,000
Bread for the World2014$12,500
Church World Service2014$12,500
Utahns for Public Lands and Recreation2014$12,045
A. Philip Randolph Institute2014$10,000
Equality Florida Action2014$10,000
Kick2014$10,000
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)2014$10,000
New Voices Pittsburgh2014$10,000
ADA2014$7,500
ICAN2014$7,500
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement2014$7,500
League of Conservation Voters Education Fund2013$850,000
State Voices2013$180,000
Wellstone Action2013$150,000
A Whole Lot of People for John Morse2013$35,000
New Venture Fund2013$35,000
Pueblo United For Angela2013$35,000
Amnesty International USA2013$25,000
ProgressNow2013$12,500
Total:$201,751,123

Consulting and Management Fees

Between 2009 and 2019, Sixteen Thirty Fund paid almost $48 million in contracting and management fees to other organizations, notably Arabella Advisors, the for-profit company closely associated with Sixteen Thirty Fund and its “sister” nonprofits. [100]

Sixteen Thirty Fund Contractors 
ContractorTotal (2009-2019)
SKDKnickerbocker$10,618,536
Arabella Advisors$9,537,923
Buying Time LLC$6,693,226
Targeted Platform Media$5,396,502
Blueprint Interactive$2,887,800
Mothership Strategies LLC$2,415,000
Ethica Media LLC$1,739,975
Screen Strategies Media$1,500,525
Revolution Messaging LLC$1,287,619
OTG Strategies Inc$1,015,000
Block By Block Inc$527,950
K&L Gates$450,740
Precision Strategies$1,643,068
Democracy Alliance$400,000
Information Staffing Services$339,548
US Action$264,500
Freedman Consulting LLC$235,000
Arabella Philanthropic Investment$162,604
Community Organizations in Action$151,500
Americans for Democratic Action$132,500
Jochum Shore & Trossevin PC$126,000
Seligman Consulting$108,350
The Konkurrenz Group$108,000
The Atlas Project$107,250
Sum$47,849,116

In 2019, the Sixteen Thirty Fund paid its highest contractor, Arabella Advisors, $3.5 million in administration, operations, and management services fees. Other major contractors included Mothership Strategies LLC ($2.4 million), Screen Strategies Media ($1.5 million), Precision Strategies ($1.2 million), and OTG Strategies ($1.02 million). [101]

In 2018, the Sixteen Thirty Fund paid its highest contractor, Targeted Platform Media, $5.4 million in consulting fees. Other major contractors paid that year include Arabella Advisors at $3.5 million; SKDKickerbocker at $3.3 million; Buying Time LLC at $3 million; and Blueprint Interactive at $2.9 million. [102]

In 2017, the Sixteen Thirty Fund paid its highest contractor, SKDKnickerbocker, $7.1 million in consulting fees. The other highest contractors for that year include Buying Time LLC, which received $3.7 million; Arabella Advisors, for $2.1 million; Ethica Media, for $1.7 million; and Revolution Messaging, for $1.3 million. [103]

In 2016, the Sixteen Thirty Fund paid $400,000 in consulting fees to the left-wing Democracy Alliance. It also hired Arabella Advisors, which was paid $789,891 in consulting fees; SKDKnickerbocker for $268,944; Block By Block, Inc. for $527,950; and Precision Strategies for $435,141. [104]

Financial Documents

The Sixteen Thirty Fund’s Application for Recognition of Exemption (Form 1024) was filed with the IRS on August 31, 2009, and is available here.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund’s IRS Form 990 filings for 2016, 2017, and 2018 were obtained by the Capital Research Center and are available here:

The Sixteen Thirty Fund’s lobbying disclosure (LD-2) form is available here.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund’s IRS 1024 application for recognition of tax exempt status by the IRS is available here; the file also includes:

  • a description of Sixteen Thirty Fund’s charitable activities as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, including a “public communications program,” limited lobbying activity, “organizational coalition building,” “community leadership development,” and “grassroots lobbying and non-partisan civic engagement”;
  • the nonprofit’s founding board of directors (Eric Kessler, Brian Kathman, and Molly McUsic), as well as their “qualifications”;
  • a list of the Fund’s initial grantees: Americans United for Change, USAction, Working America, ACORN, and the Sierra Club;
  • Sixteen Thirty Fund’s articles of incorporation filed with the District of Columbia on February 19, 2009;
  • the nonprofit’s bylaws; and
  • an administrative agreement between the Sixteen Thirty Fund and Arabella Advisors, authorizing the latter to provide paid management services to the former.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund received recognition of its tax exempt status from the IRS on August 31, 2009; the letter is available here.

References

  1. “Sixteen Thirty Fund.” Sixteen Thirty Fund. Accessed April 18, 2017. http://sixteenthirtyfund.org/. ^
  2. Form 1024 Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a). Sixteen Thirty Fund. Archived here: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2019/11/Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-Form-1024-Applicaton-for-Recognition-of-Exemption-Under-501a.pdf ^
  3. Markay, Lachan. “Over 100 Left-Wing Groups Sourced to DC Dark Money Outfit.” Washington Free Beacon. October 22, 2015. Accessed February 18, 2017. http://freebeacon.com/issues/over-100-left-wing-groups-sourced-to-d-c-dark-money-outfit/ ^
  4. Bland, Scott. “Liberal Secret-money Network Hammers House GOP.” Politico. July 29, 2018. Accessed January 08, 2019. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/29/democrats-dark-money-midterms-house-745145. ^
  5. Kenneth P. Vogel, Katie Robertson. “Top Bidder for Tribune Newspapers Is an Influential Liberal Donor.” New York Times. April 13, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/business/media/wyss-tribune-company-buyer.html ^
  6. Kenneth P. Vogel. “Swiss Billionaire Quietly Becomes Influential Force Among Democrats.” New York Times. May 3, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/03/us/politics/hansjorg-wyss-money-democrats.html ^
  7. Scott Bland and Maggie Severns. “Documents reveal massive ‘dark-money’ group boosted Democrats in 2018.” Politico. November 19, 2019. Accessed November 21, 2019. https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/19/dark-money-democrats-midterm-071725 ^
  8. Scott Bland. “Liberal dark-money behemoth raised nearly $140M last year.” Politico. November 20, 2020. Accessed Nov. 23, 2020. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/20/liberal-dark-money-fundraising-438667 ^
  9. Oprysko, Caitlin. “Maloney Aide Heading Back to K Street,” December 9, 2020. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2020/12/09/maloney-aide-heading-back-to-k-street-792162. ^
  10. Daniel Pozen. “The Tax-Code Shift That’s Changing Liberal Activism.” The Atlantic. November 27, 2018. Accessed May 28, 2019. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/11/501c3-501c4-activists-and-tax-code/576364/ ^
  11. See page 113 out of 146 of https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2019/11/New-Venture-Fund-2018-Form-990.pdf ^
  12. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2018. Schedule O.

    See page 59 out of 62: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2019/11/Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-2018-Form-990.pdf ^

  13. Hayden R. Ludwig. “Big Money in Dark Shadows: Arabella Advisors’ Half-billion-dollar ‘Dark Money’ Network.” Capital Research Center (DarkMoneyATM.org). https://darkmoneyatm.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CRC_Arabella-Advisors-Dark-Money_small.pdf ^
  14. Scott Bland, Maggie Severns. “Documents reveal massive ‘dark-money’ group boosted Democrats in 2018.” Politico. November 19, 2019. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/19/dark-money-democrats-midterm-071725 ^
  15. Washington Post Editorial Board. “Big campaign donors have exploited a loophole. Congress must change the law.” Washington Post. November 21, 2019. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/big-campaign-donors-have-exploited-a-loophole-congress-must-change-the-law/2019/11/21/ab31cf3a-0bd6-11ea-bd9d-c628fd48b3a0_story.html ^
  16. Scott Walter. “Letter to the Editor: This organization traced the supposed ‘dark money’s’ origins.” Washington Post. November 24, 2019. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/this-organization-traced-the-supposed-dark-moneys-origins/2019/11/24/07d88e78-0d48-11ea-8054-289aef6e38a3_story.html ^
  17. Form 1024 Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a). Sixteen Thirty Fund. Archived here: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2019/11/Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-Form-1024-Applicaton-for-Recognition-of-Exemption-Under-501a.pdf ^
  18. Fenton, Jacob. “Liberal dark money group eyeing Iowa TV ads.” Sunlight Foundation. April 14, 2015. Accessed January 10, 2017. https://sunlightfoundation.com/2015/04/14/liberal-dark-money-group-eyeing-iowa-tv-ads/ ^
  19. See the AFL-CIO and AFSCME Department of Labor Annual Reports (Forms LM-2) from FY 2015. ^
  20. Hiram Lee. “Activist group ACORN collapses following witch-hunt.” World Socialist Web Site. March 25, 2010. Accessed November 26, 2019. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2010/03/acor-m25.html ^
  21. Pollack, Harold. “The Group that Got Health Care Reform Passed is Declaring Victory and Going Home.” The Washington Post. January 5, 2014. Accessed June 20, 2017. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/01/05/the-group-that-got-health-reform-passed-is-declaring-victory-and-going-home/?utm_term=.51d24ddda249. ^
  22. Hayden Ludwig. “Out of Darkness, Cash: Sixteen Thirty in Action.” Capital Research Center. April 17, 2019. Accessed November 26, 2019. https://capitalresearch.org/article/out-of-darkness-cash-part-3/ ^
  23. Eidelson, Josh. “On the Road With Working America.” The Nation. October 10, 2012. Accessed April 27, 2017. https://www.thenation.com/article/road-working-america/ ^
  24. Roper, Peter. “Outside money helps Giron.” Pueblo Chieftain. June 10, 2013. Accessed April 18, 2017. http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/outside-money-helps-giron/article_f4f2d9ce-ccd2-11e2-82a3-001a4bcf887a.html#user-comment-area. ^
  25. Bunch, Joey. “Angela Giron ousted in Colorado recall election, thanks supporters in Pueblo.” The Denver Post. April 28, 2016. Accessed April 18, 2017. http://www.denverpost.com/2013/09/10/angela-giron-ousted-in-colorado-recall-election-thanks-supporters-in-pueblo/. ^
  26. Gardner, Aaron . “Sen. Morse Claims to Fight Outside Interest Groups While Outside Interest Groups Fund Pro Morse Campaign.” Media Trackers. June 17, 2013. Accessed April 19, 2017. http://mediatrackers.org/colorado/2013/06/05/sen-morse-claims-to-fight-outside-interest-groups-while-outside-interest-groups-fund-pro-morse-campaign. ^
  27. Lee, Kurtis . “Sen. John Morse ousted in historic vote, vows to “continue to fight”.” The Denver Post. April 28, 2016. Accessed April 19, 2017. http://www.denverpost.com/2013/09/10/sen-john-morse-ousted-in-historic-vote-vows-to-continue-to-fight/. ^
  28. Markay, Lachlan . “Left-Wing Front Groups Make Anti-Trump Money Untraceable.” Washington Free Beacon. February 22, 2017. Accessed April 20, 2017. http://freebeacon.com/issues/left-wing-front-groups-make-anti-trump-money-untraceable/ . ^
  29. Gattoni-Celli, Luca. “National Tax March Planners Lean Left as April 15 Events Near.” Tax Analysts. April 11, 2017. Accessed April 19, 2017. http://www.taxanalysts.org/content/national-tax-march-planners-lean-left-april-15-events-near. ^
  30. Scott Bland and Maggie Severns. “Documents reveal massive ‘dark-money’ group boosted Democrats in 2018.” Politico. November 19, 2019. Accessed November 21, 2019. https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/19/dark-money-democrats-midterm-071725 ^
  31. Sixteen Thirty Fund, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2015, Schedule I Part II ^
  32. Alex Seitz-Wald. “Democrats used to rail against ‘dark money.’ Now they’re better at it than the GOP.” NBC News. September 13, 2020. Accessed September 14, 2020. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/democrats-used-rail-against-dark-money-now-they-re-better-n1239830 ^
  33. Hancock, Jason. “Dark Money Group Drops $3 Million into Missouri Minimum Wage Campaign.” Kansascity. September 4, 2018. Accessed September 06, 2018. https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article217783975.html. ^
  34. “Sixteen Thirty Fund Outside Spending Summary 2018.” Center for Responsive Politics. Accessed March 22, 2019. https://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cycle=2018&cmte=Sixteen%20Thirty%20Fund ^
  35. Meyer, Theodoric. “KGL Investment Adds Another Lobbying Firm.” POLITICO, November 20, 2019. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2019/11/20/kgl-investment-adds-another-lobbying-firm-782790. ^
  36. Sarbanes, and John P. “Text – H.R.1 – 116th Congress (2019-2020): For the People Act of 2019.” Congress.gov, March 14, 2019. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1/text. ^
  37. Alex Seitz-Wald. “Democrats used to rail against ‘dark money.’ Now they’re better at it than the GOP.” NBC News. September 13, 2020. Accessed September 14, 2020. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/democrats-used-rail-against-dark-money-now-they-re-better-n1239830 ^
  38. Shane Goldmacher. “Biden Banks $242 Million as Big-Name Donors Write Huge Checks.” New York Times. July 16, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/16/us/politics/joe-biden-fund-raising.html ^
  39. “Outside Spending Summary 2020: Sixteen Thirty Fund.” Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets). Accessed Dec. 14, 2020. https://www.opensecrets.org/outsidespending/detail.php?cycle=2020&cmte=Sixteen+Thirty+Fund ^
  40. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. Schedule C (Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities). Part I-A, Line 2.

    Archived: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2020/11/Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-2019-990.pdf ^

  41. Data from FEC. Search criteria: Donations from Sixteen Thirty Fund for the 2019-20 election cycle. Search conducted Dec. 14, 2020. Results here: https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?contributor_name=sixteen+thirty+fund&two_year_transaction_period=2020 ^
  42. Data from FEC. Search criteria: Donations from Sixteen Thirty Fund for the 2019-20 election cycle. Search conducted Dec. 14, 2020. Results here: https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?contributor_name=sixteen+thirty+fund&two_year_transaction_period=2020 ^
  43. Karl Evers-Hillstrom. “Pro-Biden super PAC funds $100 million ad campaign with ‘dark money.'” Center for Responsive Politics. October 23, 2020. Accessed November 23, 2020. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2020/10/pro-biden-super-pac-darkmon/ ^
  44. Lincoln Project: Contributions. 2019-2020 Cycle. Accessed November 23, 2020. https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00725820/?tab=raising ^
  45. Facebook Ad Library: Ads for Family Friendly Michigan. Accessed Dec. 14, 2020. Original URL: https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/?active_status=all&ad_type=political_and_issue_ads&country=US&view_all_page_id=110239177250087&sort_data[direction]=desc&sort_data[mode]=relevancy_monthly_grouped

    Also see FFM’s Sixteen Thirty Fund disclaimer, captured here: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2020/12/family-friendly-michigan-sixteen-thirty-fund-facebook-ad-library.png ^

  46. Schoffstall, Joe. “Liberal Dark Money-Led Coalition Cranks up Pressure on Manchin, Democrats to Nuke Filibuster.” Fox News. FOX News Network, June 3, 2021. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-democrats-manchin-filibuster-liberal-dark-money. ^
  47. “Over 100 Organizations Send Letter Calling on Senate Majority Leader Schumer to Eliminate the Filibuster.” Fix Our Senate, June 3, 2021. https://www.fixoursenate.org/press/over-100-organizations-send-letter-calling-on-senate-majority-leader-schumer-to-eliminate-the-filibuster. ^
  48. “HR1, ‘For the People Act of 2021.’” Ballotpedia. Accessed June 7, 2021. https://ballotpedia.org/HR1,_%22For_the_People_Act_of_2021%22. ^
  49. “Over 100 Organizations Send Letter Calling on Senate Majority Leader Schumer to Eliminate the Filibuster.” Fix Our Senate, June 3, 2021. https://www.fixoursenate.org/press/over-100-organizations-send-letter-calling-on-senate-majority-leader-schumer-to-eliminate-the-filibuster. ^
  50. Facebook Ad Library: Including text “Sixteen Thirty Fund.” Search conducted Dec. 14, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/?active_status=all&ad_type=political_and_issue_ads&country=US&q=%22sixteen%20thirty%20fund%22&sort_data[direction]=desc&sort_data[mode]=relevancy_monthly_grouped ^
  51. Downing, Suzanne. “Dark Money Trail: Backing Dunbar for Mayor, Sixteen Thirty Fund in Hot Water over Major Foreign Donor Pouring Millions into Races.” Must Read Alaska, May 17, 2021. https://mustreadalaska.com/dark-money-trail-backing-dunbar-for-mayor-sixteen-thirty-fund-in-hot-water-over-major-foreign-donor-pouring-millions-into-races/. ^
  52. Alaska Secretary of State: Campaign Finance. “Building a Stronger Anchorage.” Report period 02/02/21 — 03/05/21. Accessed May 17, 2021. Original URL: https://aws.state.ak.us/ApocReports/Common/View.aspx?ID=34081&ViewType=CD

    ^

  53. Hayden R. Ludwig. “Big Money in Dark Shadows: Arabella Advisors’ Half-billion-dollar ‘Dark Money’ Network.” Capital Research Center (DarkMoneyATM.org). https://darkmoneyatm.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CRC_Arabella-Advisors-Dark-Money_small.pdf ^
  54. Kenneth P. Vogel, Katie Robertson. “Top Bidder for Tribune Newspapers Is an Influential Liberal Donor.” New York Times. April 13, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/business/media/wyss-tribune-company-buyer.html ^
  55. Kenneth P. Vogel. “Swiss Billionaire Quietly Becomes Influential Force Among Democrats.” New York Times. May 3, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/03/us/politics/hansjorg-wyss-money-democrats.html ^
  56. Scott Bland, Maggie Severns. “Documents reveal massive ‘dark-money’ group boosted Democrats in 2018.” Politico. November 19, 2019. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/19/dark-money-democrats-midterm-071725 ^
  57. Washington Post Editorial Board. “Big campaign donors have exploited a loophole. Congress must change the law.” Washington Post. November 21, 2019. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/big-campaign-donors-have-exploited-a-loophole-congress-must-change-the-law/2019/11/21/ab31cf3a-0bd6-11ea-bd9d-c628fd48b3a0_story.html ^
  58. Scott Walter. “Letter to the Editor: This organization traced the supposed ‘dark money’s’ origins.” Washington Post. November 24, 2019. Accessed January 7, 2020. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/this-organization-traced-the-supposed-dark-moneys-origins/2019/11/24/07d88e78-0d48-11ea-8054-289aef6e38a3_story.html ^
  59. Scott Bland. “Liberal dark-money behemoth raised nearly $140M last year.” Politico. November 20, 2020. Accessed Nov. 23, 2020. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/20/liberal-dark-money-fundraising-438667 ^
  60. Americans for Public Trust: Complaint to Federal Elections Commission regarding Wyss Foundation. Filed May 15, 2021. Original URL: https://americansforpublictrust.org/document/wyss-complaint/. Archived URL: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2021/05/Wyss-Foundation-FEC-Complaint-Americans-for-Public-Trust.-05.15.21.pdf ^
  61. 52 USC 30101: Definitions. From Title 52-VOTING AND ELECTIONS. U.S. House of Representatives. Accessed May 17, 2021. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title52-section30101&num=0&edition=prelim ^
  62. “Foreign nationals.” Federal Election Commission. June 23, 2017. Accessed May 17, 2021. https://www.fec.gov/updates/foreign-nationals/ ^
  63. “E-2 Treaty Investors.” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed May 17, 2021. https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors ^
  64. Richard Pollock. “EXCLUSIVE: Foreign Clinton Donor Made Donations To US Campaigns.” The Daily Caller. Feb. 28, 2016. Accessed May 17, 2021. https://dailycaller.com/2016/02/28/exclusive-clintons-swiss-ally-gave-big-bucks-to-u-s-campaigns/ ^
  65. Anna Massoglia. “‘Dark money’ networks hide political agendas behind fake news sites.” Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets). May 22, 2020. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2020/05/dark-money-networks-fake-news-sites/ ^
  66. Anna Massoglia. “Sixteen Thirty Fund Incorporation Records.” Center for Responsive Politics. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6555491-Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-Incorporation-Records.html ^
  67. Anna Massoglia. “Hopewell Fund Fictitious Names.” Center for Responsive Politics. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6827522-Hopewell-Fund-Fictious-Names.html ^
  68. Anna Massoglia. “‘Dark money’ networks hide political agendas behind fake news sites.” Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets). May 22, 2020. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2020/05/dark-money-networks-fake-news-sites/ ^
  69. Anna Massoglia. “‘Dark money’ networks hide political agendas behind fake news sites.” Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets). May 22, 2020. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2020/05/dark-money-networks-fake-news-sites/ ^
  70. PACRONYM: Disbursements, 2019-2020. Federal Election Commission. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00646877/?cycle=2020 ^
  71. Gabby Deutch. “A website wanted to restore trust in the media. It’s actually a political operation.” Washington Post. Feb. 6, 2020. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/02/06/is-it-local-journalism-or-just-local-propaganda/ ^
  72. Cardinal & Pine: Total spending. Facebook Ad Library. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.facebook.com/ads/library/?active_status=all&ad_type=political_and_issue_ads&country=US&view_all_page_id=106487520883333&sort_data[direction]=desc&sort_data[mode]=relevancy_monthly_grouped&search_type=page&media_type=all ^
  73. Anna Massoglia. “‘Dark money’ networks hide political agendas behind fake news sites.” Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets). May 22, 2020. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2020/05/dark-money-networks-fake-news-sites/ ^
  74. “Our People.” Arabella Advisors. Accessed April 20, 2017. https://www.arabellaadvisors.com/company/our-people/ ^
  75. “Board of Directors.” New Venture Fund. Accessed April 20, 2017. http://www.newventurefund.org/about-nvf/board-of-directors/. ^
  76. Markay, Lachlan. “Over 100 Left-Wing Groups Sourced to DC Dark Money Outfit.” Washington Free Beacon. October 22, 2015. Accessed April 20, 2017. http://freebeacon.com/issues/over-100-left-wing-groups-sourced-to-d-c-dark-money-outfit/. ^
  77. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2019. Part VII, Section A. ^
  78. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990) (multiple). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2016-2019. Part VII, Section A. ^
  79. See page 59 out of 62 of https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2019/11/Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-2018-Form-990.pdf ^
  80. See PDF page 72 out of 81 of https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2020/11/Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-2019-990.pdf ^
  81. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2019. Part VII, Section A. ^
  82. Ryan Johnson’s LinkedIn Profile. Captured Nov. 23, 2020. Original URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-j-31472416/. Archived URL: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2020/11/Ryan-Johnson-LinkedIn.-11.23.2020.png ^
  83. Pili Tobar. “Statement from Managing Director of America’s Voice Patty Kupfer on Her Civil Disobedience Arrest Today.” America’s Voice. September 12, 2013. Accessed November 23, 2020. https://americasvoice.org/press_releases/statement-from-managing-director-of-americas-voice-patty-kupfer-on-her-civil-disobedience-arrest-today/ ^
  84. “LinkedIn Profile: Patty Kupfer.” LinkedIn. Accessed Nov. 23, 2020. https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-kupfer-b3bba48/ ^
  85. “Possible Fraud Investigated In Connection With Minimum Wage Initiative.” CBS Denver. August 30, 2016. Accessed Nov. 23, 2020. https://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/08/30/possible-fraud-investigated-in-connection-with-minimum-wage-initiative/ ^
  86. Data gathered from lobbying disclosures, U.S. Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act Database. Sixteen Thirty Fund. Search conducted January 2021. https://soprweb.senate.gov/index.cfm?event=selectfields

    Also see PDF spreadsheet with the list of bills and issues lobbied for here: https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2020/01/Sixteen-Thirty-Fund-Lobbying-Totals.pdf ^

  87. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2018-2019. Part I, Line 12. ^
  88. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2017-2018. Part I, Line 12. ^
  89. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2016-2017. Part I, Line 12. ^
  90. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2015-2016. Part I, Line 12. ^
  91. Markay, Lachlan. “Left-Wing Front Groups Make Anti-Trump Money Untraceable.” Washington Free Beacon. February 22, 2017. Accessed April 20, 2017. http://freebeacon.com/issues/left-wing-front-groups-make-anti-trump-money-untraceable/ ^
  92. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Avaaz Foundation. 2017. Schedule I. ^
  93. Maghami, Neil. “A Donor Can Stand Up: Battling over donor intent at the Atlantic Philanthropies.” Capital Research Center. April 13, 2015. Accessed April 20, 2017. https://capitalresearch.org/article/a-donor-can-stand-up-battling-over-donor-intent-at-the-atlantic-philanthropies/ ^
  94. Tides Foundation, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2014, Schedule I ^
  95. Scott Bland and Maggie Severns. “Documents reveal massive ‘dark-money’ group boosted Democrats in 2018.” Politico. November 19, 2019. Accessed November 21, 2019. https://www.politico.com/news/2019/11/19/dark-money-democrats-midterm-071725 ^
  96. See page 113 out of 146 of https://www.influencewatch.org/app/uploads/2019/11/New-Venture-Fund-2018-Form-990.pdf ^
  97. Data gathered from various Form 990 filings obtained via ProPublica Advanced Search: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/full_text_search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=%22sixteen+thirty+fund%22 ^
  98. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990) (multiple). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2015-2019. Schedule I, Part II (Grants Paid) ^
  99. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990) (multiple). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2015-2018. Schedule I (list of grants) ^
  100. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund (2009 – 2019). Part VII, Section B (Independent Contractors). ^
  101. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2019. Part I. Section B (Independent Contractors). ^
  102. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2018. Part I. Section B (Independent Contractors). ^
  103. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2017. Part I. Section B (Independent Contractors). ^
  104. Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990). Sixteen Thirty Fund. 2016. Part I. Section B (Independent Contractors). ^
  105. Alex Seitz-Wald. “Democrats used to rail against ‘dark money.’ Now they’re better at it than the GOP.” NBC News. September 13, 2020. Accessed September 14, 2020. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/democrats-used-rail-against-dark-money-now-they-re-better-n1239830 ^

Directors, Employees & Supporters

  1. Wilbur Priester
    Former Chief Financial Officer and Board Member
  2. Andrew Schulz
    General Counsel and Board Member
  3. Michael Madnick
    Former Treasurer
  4. Molly McUsic
    Former Treasurer
  5. Eric Kessler
    President and Board Chair
  6. Cristobal Alex
    Former Board Member
  7. Lee Bodner
    Former Project Manager (Arabella Advisors)
  8. Nick Hanauer
    Key Donor

Child Organizations

  1. Accountable.US Action (Non-profit)
  2. All Above All Action Fund (AAAAF) (Non-profit)
  3. Allied Progress Action (Non-profit)
  4. Americans for Affordable Birth Control Action Fund (Non-profit)
  5. Arizonans United for Health Care (Non-profit)
  6. Black Civic Engagement Action Fund (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)
  7. Businesses for Responsible Tax Reform (Non-profit)
  8. Center for Secure and Modern Elections Action (CSME Action) (Non-profit)
  9. Civic Action Fund (Non-profit)
  10. Colorado United for Families (Non-profit)
  11. Constitutional Responsibility Project (Non-profit)
  12. Defend American Democracy (Non-profit)
  13. Demand Justice (Non-profit)
  14. Climate Action Fund (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)
  15. Democracy Action Fund (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)
  16. Democracy for All 2021 Action (Non-profit)
  17. Economic Security Project Action (Non-profit)
  18. Equity Forward Action (Equity Fwd Action) (Non-profit)
  19. Evergreen Action (Non-profit)
  20. Family Friendly Michigan (Non-profit)
  21. Fighting Chance for Families Action (Non-profit)
  22. Fix Our Senate (Non-profit)
  23. Floridians for a Fair Shake (Non-profit)
  24. For Our Families (Non-profit)
  25. Groundwork Action (Non-profit)
  26. Health Care Facts (Non-profit)
  27. Health Care FAQs (Non-profit)
  28. Health Care Voter (Non-profit)
  29. Health Care Voters of Nevada (Non-profit)
  30. Health Care for America Now (HCAN) (Non-profit)
  31. Inclusive Economy Action Fund (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)
  32. Justice March (Non-profit)
  33. Kansans for Secure Elections (Non-profit)
  34. Keep Iowa Healthy (Non-profit)
  35. Abortion Access Force (Lady Parts Justice) (Non-profit)
  36. Latino Engagement Action Fund (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)
  37. Lower Drug Prices Now (Non-profit)
  38. Mainers Against Health Care Cuts (Non-profit)
  39. Make It Work Action (Non-profit)
  40. March for America (Non-profit)
  41. Media Democracy Action Fund (Non-profit)
  42. Michigan Families for Economic Prosperity (Non-profit)
  43. Michigan Families for Opportunity (Non-profit)
  44. Navigator Research (Non-profit)
  45. New American Majority Action Fund (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)
  46. New Jersey for a Better Future (Non-profit)
  47. North Carolinians for a Fair Economy (Non-profit)
  48. Not One Penny (Non-profit)
  49. Ohio Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (Non-profit)
  50. Ohioans for Economic Opportunity (Non-profit)
  51. Our Lives on the Line (Non-profit)
  52. PA Progress (Non-profit)
  53. Patients Over Pharma Action (Non-profit)
  54. Protect Our Care (Non-profit)
  55. Protect PA Voters (Non-profit)
  56. Protect The Investigation (Non-profit)
  57. Respect Workers, Respect Voters (Non-profit)
  58. Restore Trust Action (Non-profit)
  59. Secure Michigan Elections (Non-profit)
  60. Small Businesses for America’s Future (Non-profit)
  61. SoCal Healthcare Coalition (Non-profit)
  62. Speak Out Central New York (Non-profit)
  63. State Engagement Initiative (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)
  64. Stop Deficit Squawks (Non-profit)
  65. Stop Payday Predators (Non-profit)
  66. Survey America Project (Non-profit)
  67. Tax March (Non-profit)
  68. Tax Plan Answers (Non-profit)
  69. The Hub Project (Non-profit)
  70. The Love Vote (Non-profit)
  71. We Are Home Action (Non-profit)
  72. Western Values Project Action (Non-profit)
  73. Youth Engagement Action Fund (Democracy Alliance) (Non-profit)

Donation Recipients

  1. 350 Action (Non-profit)
  2. A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) (Non-profit)
  3. Action NC (Non-profit)
  4. Advance North Carolina (Non-profit)
  5. Advancement Project (Non-profit)
  6. Advancing AZ (Non-profit)
  7. Alaska Center (Non-profit)
  8. Alliance For Youth Action (Non-profit)
  9. America Votes (Non-profit)
  10. American Bridge 21st Century (Political Party/527)
  11. American Bridge 21st Century Foundation (Non-profit)
  12. American Wind Energy Association (Non-profit)
  13. Americans for Tax Fairness (Non-profit)
  14. Americans United for Change (AUFC) (Non-profit)
  15. Arizona Wins (Non-profit)
  16. Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (Non-profit)
  17. Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Foundation (Non-profit)
  18. Battle Born Progress (Non-profit)
  19. Black Progressive Action Coalition (BPAC) (Political Party/527)
  20. Black Youth Project 100 (BYP 100) (Non-profit)
  21. Blueprint NC (Non-profit)
  22. Bread for the World (Non-profit)
  23. Alliance for Youth Organizing (Non-profit)
  24. Bus Project (Non-profit)
  25. California Calls Action Fund (Non-profit)
  26. California League of Conservation Voters (Non-profit)
  27. CASA in Action (Non-profit)
  28. Center for American Progress (CAP) (Non-profit)
  29. Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAP Action) (Non-profit)
  30. Center for Community Change (CCC) (Non-profit)
  31. Center for Community Change (CCC) Action (Non-profit)
  32. Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) (Non-profit)
  33. Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) Action Fund (Non-profit)
  34. Center for Rights in Action (Other Group)
  35. Church World Service (Non-profit)
  36. Citizen Action Illinois (Non-profit)
  37. Citizen Action of New Jersey (Non-profit)
  38. Citizen Action of New York (Non-profit)
  39. Citizen Action of Wisconsin (Non-profit)
  40. Citizen Action of Wisconsin Education Fund (Non-profit)
  41. Civic Participation Action Fund (CPAF) (Non-profit)
  42. Color of Change (Non-profit)
  43. Colorado Families for a Fair Wage (For-profit)
  44. Colorado Fiscal Institute (Non-profit)
  45. Colorofchange.org Education Fund (Non-profit)
  46. Common Cause (Non-profit)
  47. Community Voices Heard Power (Non-profit)
  48. Count MI Vote (Non-profit)
  49. Demand Progress Action (DPA) (Non-profit)
  50. Democratic Governors Association (DGA) (Political Party/527)
  51. Earth Day Network (Non-profit)
  52. Economic Policy Institute (EPI) (Non-profit)
  53. Environment America (Non-profit)
  54. Environment America Action Fund (Political Party/527)
  55. Environmental Advocates of New York (Non-profit)
  56. Environmental Defense Action Fund (Non-profit)
  57. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) (Non-profit)
  58. Every Voice (Non-profit)
  59. Every Voice Action (Non-profit)
  60. Fair Share Action (Political Party/527)
  61. Fair Share (Non-profit)
  62. Faith in Public Life (Non-profit)
  63. Faith in Public Life Action Fund (Non-profit)
  64. Fight for the Future (Non-profit)
  65. Fight for the Future Education Fund (Non-profit)
  66. Florida For All (Political Party/527)
  67. For Our Future Action Fund (Political Party/527)
  68. Forward Majority Action (Political Party/527)
  69. Free Press Action Fund (Non-profit)
  70. Freedom for All Americans (Non-profit)
  71. Fund for a Better Future (Non-profit)
  72. Future Forward PAC (FF PAC) (Political Party/527)
  73. Greater Wisconsin Committee (Political Party/527)
  74. Energy Action Fund (Green Tech Action Fund) (Non-profit)
  75. Higher Heights (Non-profit)
  76. Hopewell Fund (Non-profit)
  77. House Majority PAC (Political Party/527)
  78. Iowa Citizen Action Network (Non-profit)
  79. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (Non-profit)
  80. Iowa Voices (Iowa Forward) (Non-profit)
  81. Latino Victory Project (Non-profit)
  82. Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Non-profit)
  83. League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund (Political Party/527)
  84. Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR) (Non-profit)
  85. League of Conservation Voters (LCV) (Non-profit)
  86. League of Conservation Voters Victory Fund (LCV Victory Fund) (Political Party/527)
  87. Lincoln Project (Political Party/527)
  88. Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) (Non-profit)
  89. Maine Momentum (Non-profit)
  90. Maine People’s Alliance (Non-profit)
  91. Majority Forward (Non-profit)
  92. Make North Carolina First (Non-profit)
  93. Media Matters Action Network (Non-profit)
  94. Mi Familia Vota (Non-profit)
  95. Mijente (Non-profit)
  96. MomsRising (Non-profit)
  97. Montana Budget and Policy Center (Non-profit)
  98. Movement Cooperative (For-profit)
  99. MoveOn Civic Action (MoveOn.org) (Non-profit)
  100. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (Non-profit)
  101. National Action Network (NAN) (Non-profit)
  102. NEO Philanthropy (Non-profit)
  103. Nevadans for Secure Elections (Non-profit)
  104. New Era Colorado (Non-profit)
  105. New Florida Majority (Non-profit)
  106. New Florida Majority Education Fund (Non-profit)
  107. New Futures Fund (Non-profit)
  108. New Venture Fund (NVF) (Non-profit)
  109. New Virginia Majority (Non-profit)
  110. NextGen Climate Action Committee (Political Party/527)
  111. NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (Non-profit)
  112. North Carolina Citizens for Protecting Our Schools (Non-profit)
  113. North Fund (Non-profit)
  114. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Action Fund (Non-profit)
  115. Ohio Organizing Collaborative (Non-profit)
  116. Organize Now Inc (Non-profit)
  117. Organizing for Action (OFA) (Non-profit)
  118. Our Revolution (Non-profit)
  119. PACRONYM (Political Party/527)
  120. Partnership Project (Non-profit)
  121. Partnership Project Action Fund (Non-profit)
  122. Patriot Majority USA (Non-profit)
  123. People for the American Way (PFAW) (Non-profit)
  124. People’s Action Institute (Non-profit)
  125. Piedmont Rising (Non-profit)
  126. PowerPAC (Non-profit)
  127. Presente.org (Presente ACTION) (Non-profit)
  128. Priorities USA (PAC) (Political Party/527)
  129. Progress Michigan (Non-profit)
  130. Progress North Carolina Action (Progress NC Action) (Non-profit)
  131. Progressive Agenda Committee (Non-profit)
  132. ProgressNow (Non-profit)
  133. Progressnow Colorado (Non-profit)
  134. Raise Up Missouri (Non-profit)
  135. Represent.Us (Non-profit)
  136. Sierra Club (Non-profit)
  137. Sierra Club Foundation (Non-profit)
  138. Social Good Fund (Non-profit)
  139. State Engagement Fund (Non-profit)
  140. State Innovation Exchange (SIX) (Non-profit)
  141. State Voices (Non-profit)
  142. SumofUs (Non-profit)
  143. Sunrise PAC (Political Party/527)
  144. TakeAction Minnesota (Non-profit)
  145. TakeAction Minnesota Education Fund (Non-profit)
  146. Texas Organizing Project (Non-profit)
  147. Texas Organizing Project PAC (Political Party/527)
  148. The Arena (Non-profit)
  149. Funders Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP) (Non-profit)
  150. Tides Center (Non-profit)
  151. U.S. Public Interest Research Group (US-PIRG) (Non-profit)
  152. UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza) Action Fund (Non-profit)
  153. Unite the Country (Political Party/527)
  154. United Working Families (Other Group)
  155. Victory 2020 (PAC) (Political Party/527)
  156. Voter Registration Project (Non-profit)
  157. Voters Not Politicians (VNP) (Non-profit)
  158. Washington Community Action Network Education and Research Fund (Non-profit)
  159. Way to Win (Other Group)
  160. West Virginia Citizen Action Group (Non-profit)
  161. Wisconsin Voices (Non-profit)
  162. Women’s Foundation of California (Non-profit)
  163. Working Families Organization (WFO) (Non-profit)
  164. Working Families Party (WFP) (Political Party/527)
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Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: December - November
  • Tax Exemption Received: August 1, 2009

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2016 Dec Form 990 $21,258,592 $19,660,860 $7,840,711 $635,342 N $21,155,860 $0 $0 $0 PDF
    2015 Dec Form 990 $5,617,209 $8,660,897 $6,667,545 $1,059,908 N $5,577,209 $40,000 $0 $0 PDF
    2014 Dec Form 990 $16,523,735 $10,880,643 $9,157,873 $506,548 N $16,523,735 $0 $0 $0 PDF
    2013 Dec Form 990 $5,269,965 $2,721,133 $3,158,689 $150,456 N $5,269,965 $0 $0 $0 PDF
    2012 Dec Form 990 $812,500 $353,098 $485,907 $26,506 N $812,500 $0 $0 $0 PDF
    2011 Dec Form 990 $93,600 $93,600 $0 $0 N $93,600 $0 $0 $0 PDF

    Additional Filings (PDFs)

    Map image for Sixteen Thirty Fund (1630 Fund)

    Sixteen Thirty Fund (1630 Fund)

    1201 CONNECTICUT AVE NW STE 300
    WASHINGTON, DC 20036-2656