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

L.A. voters have seen the arrival of AI campaign videos, an influx of dark money mailers and national media coverage from US Weekly, Vanity Fair and many other outlets, thanks in large part to Pratt.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

The funds came from the Judicial Education Project, a dark money group that listed its address as a UPS Store in Georgetown.

From Slate • May 8, 2023

Both have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, as has Generation Now Inc., the dark money group prosecutors allege Householder controlled on behalf of his scheme.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 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