Pro-Harris group Future Forward, Raised historic donations of $900 million Offers from wealthy Democrats like Bill Gates and George Soros to support Harris’ campaign against President-elect Donald Trump. Future Forward spent money on ads featuring Harris through a super PAC and tapped into the war chest of Future Forward’s registered 501(c)(4) nonprofit arm. IRS Law that allows “social welfare” groups to act politically and not disclose their donors.

But the pro-Harris group also operates under a third arm: the Future Forward Education Fund, a public charity registered under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. But the Future Forward charity is not an independent group.

This is a project of the American Our Future Foundation, under an arrangement better known as fiscal sponsorship. OAFF spokesman Eddie Vale confirmed that it was founded in Washington, D.C., in 2022 by an associate of Democratic superlawyer Marc Elias. Washington Comptroller.

“All 501(c)(3) dollars raised were spent in accordance with philanthropic guidelines,” Vale said.

Given the legal scrutiny OAFF has received from watchdog groups, it is notable that the charity Future Forward has been revealed to be affiliated with OAFF. In March, the conservative Foundation for Responsibility and Social Trust I filed a complaint The Federal Election Commission said a project under OAFF called the American Mainstream Policy Leadership Institute “made illegal contributions to federal candidates.”

The project, also known as AMPLI, is being branded as a scholarship for repeat Democratic congressional candidates to receive a paycheck between their runs for office. Washington Comptroller reported. The scholarship was administered by a charity called the New Politics Leadership Academy.

The AMPLI fellowship allows soon-to-be political candidates to participate in research, engage in policy development, and attend meetings that could advance their candidacy. Washington Comptroller also reported. But in the conservative watchdog group’s narrative, it turned out to be a way to secure “personal expenses” through “bona fide independent employment” to repeat candidates, raising legal questions. AMPLI denied any illegality.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the Accountability and Community Trust Foundation has not yet received a decision from the FEC regarding the case. New York Times reported on Friday about the relationship between Future Forward and OAFF, ​​citing internal documents indicating that the pro-Harris charity intends to transfer funds to its 501(c)(4) Future Forward arm.

Successful AMPLI members in 2023 included New York Democrats Josh Riley and Laura Gillen, who unseated Reps. Marc Molinaro (R-NY) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY). Riley was paid $30,000 from AMPLI, according to financial disclosures.

“Left-wing dark money donors bought and paid off Laura Gillen and Josh Riley,” said Will Reinert, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. Washington Comptroller.

“They will now be sure to do the bidding of those in Washington who financed this corrupt dirty money scheme,” Reinert said.

However, the situation was mixed in terms of success rate for all friends.

Democrat Will Rollins, who disclosed receiving money from OAFF and the charity New Politics, lost a close battle against Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA). Democrat Kirsten Engel said: Washington Comptroller During his brief stint as a member of AMPLI, he received no money and failed to unseat Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).

Democrat Tony Vargas, who ran unsuccessfully against Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), was a member of AMPLI. He received $60,000 from AMPLI, according to financial disclosures.

It was a top priority for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which provided members with “strategic guidance, staff resources, training and fundraising support” to some this election cycle. Washington Comptroller reported. The affiliation with Future Forward demonstrates how OAFF, ​​a recently founded charity, can be a significant force in the progressive nonprofit world.

OAFF’s founder was Ezra Reese, head of political law at Elias Law Group.

Marc Elias, who founded the Elias Law Group, was specifically tapped by the Harris campaign to help recount votes for the election. New York Times reported in August. Elias, 55, joined the recount effort last week for Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), who refused to concede to Republican Dave McCormick.

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In tax forms filed in May, the Elias-affiliated OAFF said it supports “a range of projects that share our vision for America, including support for pro-worker public policy, promotion of family and economic security, and efforts to reduce costs.” Expanding access to health care, including prescription drugs and reproductive care.

OAFF’s board of directors includes Democratic strategist Rebecca Pearcey, longtime DCCC staffer Hayley Dierker and attorney Brennan Bilberry, Vale said. Tax forms list OAFF president as attorney Kathleen Nee.