Search Public Citizen's database of section 527 groups

527 groups are named for the section of the IRS code that governs them and can accept unlimited amounts of "soft money" directly from corporations, unions and individuals. The groups are created to attempt to influence elections and can be broken down into two types: those controlled by members of Congress, "politician 527s," and organizations created to promote specific ideological principles, "non-politician 527s."

Public Citizen has been studying these groups to better understand how they raise money; who contributes to 527 groups and why; how the organizations influence elections; the IRS disclosure system; and IRS enforcement and compliance programs.

Public Citizen has launched a 527 group donor database allowing users to follow the money. It can be searched by donors’ names, industries, recipients (the 527 group) and amounts contributed.

Searches can be refined to include the type of contributor (individual, corporation, union, PAC or foundation) and type of 527 group (politician 527 or non-politician 527). The database comprises more than $155 million in contributions.

To search the database, click here.

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