Dark Money
Political spending by groups that do not disclose their donors.
Updated April 23, 2026
How It Works
Dark money refers to political spending by organizations that do not disclose their funding sources. These groups, often nonprofit entities, can spend unlimited amounts on campaigns, advertisements, and other political activities without revealing who is financing them. This lack of transparency means voters and regulators cannot trace the origin of the funds influencing elections or policies.
Why It Matters
Dark money presents significant challenges to democratic processes. When the public cannot see who is funding political messages or candidates, it undermines accountability and can conceal conflicts of interest. It allows wealthy individuals, corporations, or special interest groups to exert influence without public scrutiny, potentially skewing policy decisions and election outcomes in their favor.
Dark Money vs. PACs and Super PACs
Unlike Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs, which must disclose their donors, dark money groups operate under legal structures that shield donor identities. For example, 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations or 501(c)(6) trade associations can engage in political spending without full disclosure. While Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited funds, they are required to report their donors, distinguishing them from dark money entities.
Real-World Examples
In the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC, restrictions on independent political spending were lifted, leading to a surge in dark money spending. Groups like Crossroads GPS and Americans for Prosperity have spent millions in elections without disclosing their donors. These expenditures often influence key races and policy debates, highlighting the scale and impact of dark money in modern politics.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that dark money is illegal. In reality, dark money spending is legal under current U.S. campaign finance laws, though it is controversial. Another misunderstanding is that all political spending without disclosure is dark money; however, some spending by individuals or candidates themselves does not fall under this category. The key feature is the anonymity of the donor behind substantial political expenditures.
Example
In the 2012 U.S. elections, dark money groups spent hundreds of millions of dollars supporting various candidates without revealing their donors, significantly impacting key races.