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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Based on newly obtained tax filings, Accountable.US, reveals just how far Leonard Leo’s dark money web stretches—and how it continues being used to enrich his for-profit ventures. Watchdog group Accountable.US uncovered that nonprofits tied to Leo yet again funneled millions into his consulting firm, CRC Advisors, while backing far-right political agendas.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

  • $24.9 Million to CRC Advisors in 2023 Alone: The 85 Fund, a core piece of Leo’s empire, sent nearly $25 million to his private consulting firm last year. In total, CRC Advisors has received over $80 million from the 85 Fund since 2020—a potentially impermissible flow of nonprofit dollars into a for-profit business.
  • $92 Million to Donors Trust: In 2023, the 85 Fund directed $92 million—40% of Donors Trust’s total intake of contributions—to this key player in anonymous conservative funding.
  • Opaque Governance: Despite his clear influence, Leo isn’t listed as an officer or director in the 85 Fund’s tax filings, raising red flags about transparency and accountability.

And it doesn’t stop there. The Concord Fund, another nonprofit in Leo’s network, disclosed routing $6 million to CRC Advisors during its 2022-2023 financial year, alongside over $50 million in grants and contributions to Republican-affiliated groups and anti-abortion campaigns.

“As far as Leonard Leo is concerned, it’s all about cashing in—he’s using his influence to bankroll far-right causes while personally profiting at the expense of the public,” said Caroline Ciccone, President of Accountable.US. “While Leo is funding extreme causes, he’s also exploiting nonprofits as his personal piggy bank—a pattern that was allegedly under investigation by the D.C. Attorney General, revealing just how deeply Leo has benefited from his network. All the while, he continues to pull the strings behind the scenes and push his extreme agenda on everyday Americans.”

Leo’s network isn’t just influencing policy—it’s actively reshaping American democracy. From rolling back abortion rights to suppressing voters, the impact of his dark money machine is being felt in communities nationwide.

“Let’s call this what it is: a scheme,” added Ciccone. “The rules of nonprofit governance don’t seem to apply in Leo’s world, and it’s hurting the public. We need stronger protections to make sure charities serve people—not the pocketbooks of wealthy insiders.”

The findings come as D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb was reportedly investigating the misuse of charitable funds within Leo’s network, as of last year. Reporting has already revealed how Leo’s nonprofits financed a lifestyle that includes multiple mansions, luxury vehicles, and private school tuition—all while funneling tens of millions into his for-profit business.

Learn more about how Leo is getting rich off his work to ban abortion, attack voting rights, and restrict consumer protections on Monitoring Influence.

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