Body
OpenSecrets is the nation’s top resource for unbiased political finance data, trusted by users who want to follow the money in US politics. [source: opensecrets] The platform provides original reporting that uncovers the financial forces behind political decisions, covering stories that shape policy and governance. [source: opensecrets] It also offers reports and datasets on topics such as ballot measures, dark money basics, state-level data, and custom data sets based on popular requests. [source: opensecrets] Users can take deep dives into important money-and-politics subjects, including campaign contributions by gender and federal lobbying. [source: opensecrets]
The site includes a search tool to find a specific politician or to search the donor database for a politician’s name to see a full list of contributors. [source: opensecrets] Once a candidate files with the FEC or a state agency, OpenSecrets lists that candidate on the site. [source: opensecrets] Users can also search for a specific company or organization to understand their contributions and lobbying history. [source: opensecrets] OpenSecrets is supported by a list of major funders, and accepts tax-deductible donations. [source: opensecrets]
OpenSecrets believes in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change, offering custom data solutions, media partnerships, research support, and specialized training. [source: opensecrets] The organization states that money is a pervasive, game-changing, and often unacknowledged participant in politics, and that exposing how it is spent and where it comes from builds transparency and trust. [source: opensecrets]
Use it for
A campaigner uses OpenSecrets to research the financial forces behind political decisions, tracking campaign contributions, lobbying history, and dark money spending. [source: opensecrets] By searching for specific politicians, companies, or organizations, a campaigner can uncover who is funding political actors and how money influences elections and policy. [source: opensecrets] This data helps campaigners build transparency in their advocacy, understand the financial landscape of their opponents or allies, and craft messages that address the role of money in politics. [source: opensecrets]