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

Since the nonprofit is a so-called dark money group — one that’s not required to disclose the names of its donors — the original source of the money remains unknown.

From Salon • Jul. 1, 2025

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

From Slate • Nov. 25, 2024

“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

Trebor Worthen, a GOP political consultant who is running one of the dark money groups, Sooner State Leadership PAC, said it is dedicated to public safety and has raised $10 million.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2022

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

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2022