InfluenceWatch Friday

InfluenceWatch, a project of Capital Research Center, is a comprehensive and ever-evolving compilation of our research into the numerous advocacy groups, foundations, and donors working to influence the public policy process. The website offers transparency into these influencers’ funding, motives, and connections while providing insight often neglected by other watchdog groups.

The information compiled in InfluenceWatch gives news outlets and other interested parties research to use in reporting on significant topics that are often overlooked by the American public.

CRC is pleased to present some of the most significant additions to InfluenceWatch in the past week:

• The Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) is a California-based advocacy group that promotes left-of-center policies concerning low-income and immigrant populations in the state. In October 2025, CAUSE hosted a “Raising Justice” fundraising event to promote “housing justice, environmental justice, and [the] fight for immigrant worker power,” which was sponsored by several groups including EarthJustice, SEIU 2015, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Nature Conservancy. CAUSE has received funding from the Crankstart Foundation, the Environmental Health Coalition, PowerSwitch Action, the Sierra Club, the Tides Center, and the Weingart Foundation.
• The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) is a network of groups that advocate against alleged censorship in education, art, and the media. As of 2025, members of NCAC include the American Association of University Professors, the American Federation of Teachers, Catholics for Choice, Lambda Legal, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S.(SIECUS), and SAG-AFTRA. NCAC has also received funding from several organizations including the Andy Warhol Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
• Latinos for Leadership Excellence and Diversity (Latinos LEAD) is a California-based nonprofit that advocates for increased Latino representation on nonprofit governing boards. The group’s founder and executive director, Patrick Salazar, has previously worked for advocacy groups such as UnidosUS, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the National Hispana Leadership Institute. Latinos LEAD has received funding from the Ford Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Weingart Foundation, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund.
• The Housing Network of Rhode Island is a state-based organization engaged in housing policy advocacy and education. It is a partner organization of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a network of similar advocacy groups that promote housing programs such as emergency rental relief. The Housing Network of Rhode Island has received funding from the Rhode Island Foundation, the United Way of Rhode Island, and the Washington Trust Foundation.
• Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International is an advocacy group that promotes left-of-center environmental policies and supports having more women in associated leadership roles. In 2019, WECAN International worked with the Sierra Club, the Women’s Environment and Development Organization(WEDO), the NAACP, MADRE, and the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance to establish the Feminist Green New Deal Coalition to promote a Green New Deal within a “transformative feminist agenda.” WECAN International has received funding from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the Tides Foundation, the Windward Fund, and the Freedom Together Foundation.