FAQs
Who are you?
This site was created by the friendly staff at American Principles Project (APP), a conservative organization founded in 2009. Earlier this summer we launched a membership program. Join us today at SaveTheFamily.app!
Why just Big Tech companies?
Big Tech companies exert unique power and influence on our economy and society, and outspend other industries on lobbying, as well as influencing think tanks and advocacy groups. They also conveniently make this data available for us to use (more on that here). But you’re welcome to use our code to make one for Big Pharma (or whatever).
Why isn’t Twitter included?
As far as we can tell, Twitter doesn’t give out much money. If you are privy to details about their giving and would like to share, please let us know at bigtechfunding@protonmail.com and we’ll be sure to take a look.
What policy changes would promote more funding transparency?
Big Tech companies could be required to disclose the policy groups they donate to and the amounts given (more on that here). The House, Senate, or White House could do this by updating their respective lobbying rules. Congress could also update the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. §1601) and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (22 U.S.C. § 22) to close loopholes and promote transparency. Further reading: “The Lobbying Disclosure Act at 20: Analysis and Issues for Congress.”
Can you recommend any other resources?
You might check out OpenSecrets, Think Tank Watch, the Revolving Door Project, InfluenceWatch, Transparify, and the Tech Transparency Project.
I don't like how you implemented XYZ. Can you change it?
Suggestions are welcome at bigtechfunding@protonmail.com. But if you really don’t like it, you’re welcome to build your own version.
Who funded you to start this project?
We bootstrapped it because we care about the issue. If you support this effort, please consider donating.
Where is your data from?
Our funding data comes from a variety of publicly-available sources. This includes public disclosures by Amazon, Google, and Facebook (Apple does not disclose who it funds); IRS documents; authoritative news stories; disclosures by funding recipients; and other materials. Sources are linked in the data sheet on our GitHub page.
Can I request a correction or report a bug?
Yes. Please email us at bigtechfunding@protonmail.com.
Does your browser extension label every Big Tech-funded group and individual?
No. We selected accounts who we think are the most prominent. Others are linked in the data sheet on our GitHub page. We will try to add more in the future, but have limited resources and staff time. Please consider donating to help us expand this project.
Do you include cy pres awards in your funding data?
No. We don’t consider them to be in the same category as direct grants.
Why don’t you list funding amounts in your data?
While we are indeed aware of specific funding amounts for certain groups (more here), and we hope to learn more from whistleblowers now that BigTechFunding.org is live, we still need to be able to source any claims we make publicly. Unfortunately, specific funding amounts aren’t often disclosed. We recognize this makes it hard to evaluate the degree of potential conflicts, but it’s the best we can do.
How up to date is your funding data?
Not very. Because of how companies and groups do their reporting, most of our data is at least a year out of date. As they’ve come under increased scrutiny, Big Tech companies have increased their advocacy spending. Keep an eye out for content that looks suspiciously one-sided (even if they’re not on our list).
Do you think all corporate funding of nonprofits is bad?
Not at all. We focus on Big Tech companies because of their power and influence, and because their products are uniquely disruptive to families, communities, and civic life.
While more than 99 percent of our donations came from individuals and foundations last year, we would happily take no-strings-attached grants from companies that share our commitment to American principles.
Can I reuse your data or materials?
Yes, you're free to repurpose our content as long as you cite us. The browser extension is made available under an open source MIT License. All materials, unless otherwise stated, are published under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Does your browser extension collect private data about me?
Nope. Unlike Big Tech, we care about your privacy.
Do you think everyone getting Big Tech money is a shill?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What is a shill, exactly? Here’s what we know: Big Tech gives out a lot of money, and that money comes with strings attached. Organizations that receive Big Tech money tend to echo Big Tech talking points that originate with the companies’ public policy teams. It looks a lot like a quid pro quo. But hey — maybe it’s not. Even so, due to the power and influence of these companies, we believe organizations that receive Big Tech funding owe us all a little more transparency.
Doesn't criticizing people’s donors undermine free speech?
We love free speech — that’s why we’re concerned about Big Tech. We think funding is a relevant piece of this debate and the American people deserve to know about it. But if you think this is a low blow, we’d like to humbly suggest that the cure for bad speech is more speech. Besides, we're just organizing publicly available information to make it more useful.
Why can't you engage with arguments rather than criticize people for who funds them?
We happily engage with serious people. But there’s not much value in arguing with trolls and PR people all day (although some, we're sure, are good people). See also: Brandolini's law.
Are there other groups rejecting Big Tech funding?
More than 40 conservative groups recently pledged not to accept future Big Tech funding (many others still do). A number of left wing groups have also rejected contributions from Big Tech.
I hate this project, will you take it down?
Everyone has a price. If you handle grants for a Big Tech company and would like to pay us to shut this site down, we would happily entertain offers above $1,000,000.00 per year. (By the way, please consider paying us in Dogecoin — we hear it’s a great investment.)