dark money

American  

[dahrk muhn-ee] / ˈdɑrk ˈmʌn i /

noun

1. money donated to politically active nonprofit organizations or anonymous corporate entities, which spend this money to influence political campaigns or other special interests but are not required to reveal their donors.

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Etymology

Origin of dark money

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

We never talked about dark money, which the public hates.

From Slate • Nov. 25, 2024

All told, five people and a dark money group have been charged so far for their roles in the scheme.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023

The money flowed mostly through so-called dark money groups, which don't have to disclose their donors.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2022

“If we want to shine a light on dark money spending, which we all do, especially Common Cause, we have to do it in a strategic way and cover everybody,” she said.

From Washington Times • Jun. 10, 2022

The usual way that Russian oligarchs hide their "dark money" abroad is through shell companies.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2022