Organizations donating the most to political campaigns

- Total contributions: $5,197,241
--- Total hard money: $2,447,241 (47.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $2,750,000 (52.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $5,197,241 (100.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: David Perdue ($16,800)

The Bernard Marcus Family Foundation supports social programs such as education and mental health services. Based in Atlanta, it was launched in 1989 by Bernard Marcus, who co-founded Home Depot, the home improvement store chain. In March 2020, a business group founded by Marcus was campaigning for release of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, saying it was being held up by red tape and regulation. The treatment was unproven and unapproved.

[Pictured: A Home Depot store.]

- Total contributions: $5,203,109
--- Total hard money: $5,143,501 (98.9% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $59,608 (1.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $4,187,158 (80.5% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $978,488 (18.8% of total contributions)
- Political lean: leans Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Bernie Sanders ($795,816)

Amazon employees threw their support behind Bernie Sanders, who was first among the 2019 Democratic presidential contenders in money raised from tech company workers. Sanders is a democratic socialist who advocates for worker rights, while Amazon does not let its employees unionize and has come under criticism for its working conditions.

[Pictured: An Amazon fulfillment center.]

- Total contributions: $5,213,522
--- Total hard money: $5,154,852 (98.9% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $58,670 (1.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $3,253,941 (62.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $1,950,795 (37.4% of total contributions)
- Political lean: leans Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($181,174)

The Blue Cross/Blue Shield private insurance giant lobbies in support of individual health insurance options and against surprise billing. Health care policy, regulation, and insurance practices have been paramount issues in the current presidential campaign, with some Democrats advocating for a sweeping “Medicare for All” platform.

[Pictured: The Blue Cross Blue Shield building, in Detroit, Michigan.]

- Total contributions: $5,251,487
--- Total hard money: $231,487 (4.4% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $5,020,000 (95.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $5,251,487 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($14,846)

The Broad Foundation advocates for public education, the arts, and medical research, especially involving stem cells. The interest in medical research was inspired in part by founder Eli Broad’s son, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Broad built the SunAmerica financial services company that was sold to AIG in 1999 for $18 billion.

[Pictured: Edythe L. Broad and Eli Broad, the creators of the Broad Foundation.]

- Total contributions: $5,394,550
--- Total hard money: $1,828,050 (33.9% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $3,566,500 (66.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $147,800 (2.7% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $5,246,750 (97.3% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Mitch McConnell ($20,400)

The Duchossois Group, a privately held investment company based in Illinois, has holdings in consumer products, technology, and services businesses. Craig Duchossois, its chief executive, was recently one of several major donors to a business group fighting a tax reform measure in Illinois. The proposed change, backed by Illinois’ democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker, calls for a move to a graduated-rate state income tax from its current flat rate. Opponents of the change say it would bring a tax increase.

- Total contributions: $5,471,051
--- Total hard money: $944,551 (17.3% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $4,526,500 (82.7% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $5,318,551 (97.2% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $99,700 (1.8% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($24,983)

The venture capital Greylock Partners invests in entrepreneurs and enterprises that transform and reinvent markets, such as Airbnb, Dropbox, and LinkedIn. Writing about Greylock’s role in politics, Reid Hoffman, a partner and a LinkedIn co-founder, said: “You could go through this world saying as little as possible and leaving everyone in doubt as to what your beliefs are, but that’s not the way that a company attracts the best people. …In an increasingly politicized world, it’s harder and harder for CEOs to keep business and politics separate. And in an increasingly politicized world, they shouldn’t.”

[Pictured: Greylock Partners partners Reid Hoffman and Josh Elman speak onstage at a TechCrunch Disrupt event.]

- Total contributions: $5,700,198
--- Total hard money: $744,298 (13.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $4,955,900 (86.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $5,629,901 (98.8% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $70,297 (1.2% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Tim Ryan ($28,000)

Sisters Deborah Simon and Cynthia Simon-Skjodt, daughters of the late Melvin Simon, are active political donors. Their father built Simon Property Group, the biggest U.S. shopping mall developer in the nation, and was a big backer of Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and John Kerry. The sisters support reproductive rights and have funded efforts to defeat Mike Pence over his attempts to defund women’s health care provider Planned Parenthood.

[Pictured: An aerial drone photo of the North East Mall owned by Simon Property Group.]

- Total contributions: $6,350,208
--- Total hard money: $1,344,608 (21.2% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $5,005,600 (78.8% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $6,350,208 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Nancy Pelosi ($5,600)

Deborah Simon, in addition to being an heir to the Simon Property Group, heads the Simon Youth Foundation. Simon was one of the biggest hard-money individual contributors in 2020 and a top Democratic donor in 2018, as well. She inherited her wealth after a legal battle with her stepmother, Bren Simon, over her father’s estate.

[Pictured: Current CEO of Simon Youth Foundation, J. Michael Durnil.]

- Total contributions: $6,414,214
--- Total hard money: $2,364,214 (36.9% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $4,050,000 (63.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $6,266,814 (97.7% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $83,400 (1.3% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($25,611)

The Baupost Group is a large, Boston-based hedge fund headed by well-known investor Seth Klarman. He is a former supporter of the Republican Party who has become a critic of Donald Trump and a major backer of Democratic Party causes.

[Pictured: Seth Klarman, founder and president of the Baupost Group.]

- Total contributions: $6,541,744
--- Total hard money: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $6,541,744 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $6,541,744 (100.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: null (null)

Freedom Partners, which started out with funding from the conservative Koch brothers, supports issues of economic freedom. It backs a super PAC called Americans for Prosperity Action, which advocates for solutions to issues of government spending, immigration, lowering taxes, and eliminating trade barriers. It is supporting Republican incumbents Sen. John Cornyn in Texas and Sen. Thom Tillis in North Carolina.

[Pictured: David H. Koch of the Koch brothers accepts the Laureate Award at the Lincoln Center Spring Gala in 2017.]

- Total contributions: $6,668,239
--- Total hard money: $6,208,310 (93.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $459,929 (6.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $5,754,863 (86.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $868,001 (13.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($516,256)

Microsoft says on its website that it supports policies that advance digital transformation opportunities of its global cloud network of services. These include making technological advances affordable, inclusive and universally available, as well as protecting personal privacy, protecting the free flow of data, and promoting environmental sustainability.

[Pictured: Microsoft founder, Bill Gates.]

- Total contributions: $6,683,650
--- Total hard money: $3,172,650 (47.5% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $3,511,000 (52.5% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $6,023,255 (90.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $659,981 (9.9% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Kate Gibbs ($20,475)

The International Union of Operating Engineers gives to a plethora of mostly Democratic House and Senate members on behalf of more than 400,000 heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and engineers. It is concerned with issues of protecting wages and living standards, affordable health care, worker safety, and retirement security.

[Pictured: The International Union of Operating Engineers headquarters building.]

- Total contributions: $6,962,122
--- Total hard money: $1,365,097 (19.6% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $5,597,025 (80.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $6,955,451 (99.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $825 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Theresa Greenfield ($84,855)

The League of Conservation Voters, which supports environmental causes, is backing Democrat Theresa Greenfield, a businesswoman challenging Iowa’s Republican incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst. The seat is considered key to whether Democrats take control of the U.S. Senate in the November election. The Iowa race has drawn considerable out-of-state funding, mostly in support of the Democratic challenger.

[Pictured: Democratic senate candidate Theresa Greenfield.]

- Total contributions: $7,039,444
--- Total hard money: $1,039,044 (14.8% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $6,000,400 (85.2% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $31,110 (0.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $7,008,334 (99.6% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Cory Gardner ($5,600)

Citadel LLC is a Chicago-based hedge fund managed by billionaire Kenneth Griffin, who in 2020 has donated heavily in support of police, paying for protective equipment and cleaning supplies. In 2018, he pledged several million dollars for police initiatives that included technology for faster processing of surveillance videos and programs to fight gun violence.

[Pictured: Citadel LLC founder, Kenneth Griffin.]

- Total contributions: $7,096,392
--- Total hard money: $6,088,246 (85.8% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $1,008,146 (14.2% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $4,829,770 (68.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $2,242,346 (31.6% of total contributions)
- Political lean: leans Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Bernie Sanders ($300,455)

AT&T and other internet service providers lobby Washington lawmakers to protect their industry’s use of broadband data caps, the limits they place on data usage that allow them to charge customers fees for excess use. By one account, the telecommunications industry spent $953 million in lobbying to keep them legal in the last decade. Consumer rights advocates see the caps as ways to overcharge customers.

[Pictured: AT&T Indiana Headquarters.]

- Total contributions: $7,280,395
--- Total hard money: $4,106,376 (56.4% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $3,174,019 (43.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $6,813,543 (93.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $462,920 (6.4% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($273,472)

On its website, the Walt Disney Co. says it believes “active participation in the political life of the countries and communities in which we do business is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.” Among the issues it takes interest in are protection of intellectual property, privacy, the regulation of broadcast, cable, and internet regulation, freedom of expression, trade freedoms, travel and tourism, and taxation. Walt Disney Studios co-chairman Alan Horn was a major donor to Sen. Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.

[Pictured: Co-chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn.]

- Total contributions: $7,600,000
--- Total hard money: $0 (0.0% of total contribution)
--- Total outside money: $7,600,000 (100.0% of total contribution)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $0 (0.0% of total contribution)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $7,600,000 (100.0% of total contribution)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: data not available

The conservative One Nation supports principles of limited government and private property, which it sees as under threat by liberal and socialist agendas. It opposes such measures as the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and allowing convicted felons to vote. The donor group is affiliated with Karl Rove, the former White House deputy chief of staff under George W. Bush.

[Pictured: Karl Rove.]

- Total contributions: $7,605,960
--- Total hard money: $3,668,625 (48.2% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $3,937,335 (51.8% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $7,465,529 (98.2% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $136,000 (1.8% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Bernie Sanders ($90,747)

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers makes political donations in an array of areas such as utilities and communication regulation, trade agreements, pensions, job safety, railroads, and government building projects. The giant union represents about 775,000 workers and retirees in fields including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, and railroads.

[Pictured: President Barack Obama signs his name on the wall during a visit to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26 headquarters.]

- Total contributions: $8,167,502
--- Total hard money: $6,264,954 (76.7% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $1,902,548 (23.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $5,426,323 (66.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $2,713,165 (33.2% of total contributions)
- Political lean: leans Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($269,732)

The telecommunications giant Comcast Corp. says on its website that it “participates in the political process to protect its business objectives and further its public policy goals.” It lobbies to influence decisions and legislation in areas such as video distribution regulation, cable franchising, internet and data services, issues of broadcast, cable, and programming, privacy, and international regulations.

[Pictured: Comcast Corp. chairman and CEO, Brian L. Roberts.]

- Total contributions: $8,495,098
--- Total hard money: $1,220,098 (14.4% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $7,275,000 (85.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $25 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $8,495,073 (100.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: John Cornyn ($14,000)

Mountaire Corp., a major poultry producer, has been putting money toward the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), seeking liability waiver laws that would provide immunity against wrongful death lawsuits linked to COVID-19. An investigation by New Yorker magazine said the company concealed the rate of infection among workers at its North Carolina plants, and it faces labor accusations of anti-union activity as well.

[Pictured: Mountaire Chicken Farms in Millsboro, Delaware.]

- Total contributions: $8,592,221
--- Total hard money: $8,109,829 (94.4% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $482,392 (5.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $8,302,628 (96.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $215,684 (2.5% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Bernie Sanders ($931,381)

While former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has gotten the most backing from the University of California, as of mid-September, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden had received almost as much, at just over $900,000. Other recipients this year were Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg. In 2018, research found that the biggest recipient of funding from UC PACs or individual employees was Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke, who challenged Republican incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz.

[Pictured: Royce Hall on the campus of University of Californa, Los Angeles.]

- Total contributions: $8,810,146
--- Total hard money: $1,258,646 (14.3% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $7,551,500 (85.7% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $8,792,036 (99.8% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $12,510 (0.1% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Raphael Warnock ($11,200)

Hungarian-born billionaire investor George Soros is a preeminent philanthropist, backing pro-democratic and progressive causes and earning the outspoken enmity of Donald Trump. In an interview in August 2020, Soros called Trump a “confidence trickster” whose desire to remain in office makes him “very dangerous.” Soros’ political donations include support of Senate Majority PAC, which is dedicated to winning a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate.

[Pictured: George Soros.]

- Total contributions: $8,826,794
--- Total hard money: $1,416,794 (16.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $7,410,000 (83.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $70 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $8,825,724 (100.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Mitch McConnell ($5,600)

G.H. Palmer Associates is a Southern California real estate developer whose holdings include more than 15,000 apartment units valued at more than $5 billion. The company is owned by Geoffrey Harrison Palmer, one of the biggest financial supporters this year to the reelection of Donald Trump. Palmer was a major donor to Trump in 2016, as well.

- Total contributions: $8,881,759
--- Total hard money: $100,159 (1.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $8,781,600 (98.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $8,867,311 (99.8% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $14,448 (0.2% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Hakeem Jeffries ($11,900)

The Greater New York Hospital Association is a network of more than 200 member Hospitals and Health Systems. It lobbied New York state legislators in Spring 2020 for immunity protections to shield hospitals and nursing homes from lawsuits linked to COVID-19 patient care.

[Pictured: Kenneth Raske, president and CEO of Greater New York Hospital Association.]

- Total contributions: $9,181,190
--- Total hard money: $1,657,963 (18.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $7,523,227 (81.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $115,313 (1.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $9,065,877 (98.7% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Dan Sullivan ($50,300)

Elliott Management, a New York-based hedge fund, is run by billionaire Paul Singer. Among its holdings, Elliott disclosed in September that it had taken a stake in Noble Energy Inc., an oil and natural gas exploration and production company that has agreed to be purchased by Chevron Corp. Singer is known as an aggressive activist investor who obtains holdings in companies to force management and board changes or to break up potential deals.

[Pictured: Founder and president of Elliot Management Corporation, Paul Singer.]

- Total contributions: $9,288,694
--- Total hard money: $2,338,144 (25.2% of total contribution)
--- Total outside money: $6,950,550 (74.8% of total contribution)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $4,175 (0.0% of total contribution)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $9,284,492 (100.0% of total contribution)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: data not available

Founded in 1987, Stephens Inc. is a private investment bank and financial services firm. Current company president and CEO Warren Stephens has supported Republican candidates and super PACs in the past, particularly from Arkansas and surrounding states. Notably, Stephens is backing Trump’s reelection campaign this year, despite donating over $3 million to anti-Trump conservative groups in 2016.

[Pictured: Stephens Inc. building in Little Rock, Arkansas.]

- Total contributions: $10,193,681
--- Total hard money: $3,103,181 (30.4% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $7,090,500 (69.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $10,126,581 (99.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $55,900 (0.5% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Alan Khazei ($121,800)

Joshua Bekenstein, the co-chairman of Boston-based private equity firm Bain Capital, and his wife are major donors to the Lincoln Project, a super PAC run by Republicans opposed to Donald Trump. The Bekensteins also have made sizable donations to support Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

[Pictured: The John Hancock Tower where Bain Capital is headquartered on the 36th to 43rd floors.]

- Total contributions: $10,942,330
--- Total hard money: $8,933,801 (81.6% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $2,008,529 (18.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $10,006,600 (91.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $901,119 (8.2% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($1,083,510)

Employees at Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, have been one of the biggest political donors among tech companies. Among their favored candidates are Democrat Amy McGrath, who is challenging Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell for his seat in the U.S. Senate, and Democratic House member Josh Harder of California, who is seeking his second term.

[Pictured: Googleplex - Google Headquarters office buildings.]

- Total contributions: $10,954,221
--- Total hard money: $953,221 (8.7% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $10,001,000 (91.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $10,930,581 (99.8% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $23,593 (0.2% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Donald Trump ($14,976)

The real estate firm Marcus & Millichap was co-founded by George Marcus, a Greek immigrant who moved to the United States following World War II. Marcus and his wife Judith are major supporters of the Democratic Party’s candidates and positions, donating to the campaigns of Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, as well as efforts to implement gun control.

[Pictured: The Huxley, a $75 million apartment complex under construction by Essex Property Trust, a Marcus & Millichap company.]

- Total contributions: $11,090,473
--- Total hard money: $2,577,127 (23.2% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $8,513,346 (76.8% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $139,480 (1.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $10,950,602 (98.7% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: David Perdue ($28,599)

The conservative Koch Industries, steered by billionaire Charles Koch’s Americans for Prosperity PAC, is supporting four Republican senators seen in danger of losing their seats in November: David Perdue of Georgia, John Cornyn of Texas, Steve Daines of Montana, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The latter state is considered a battleground state critical to the outcome of the presidential election. Koch helped to finance the rise of the grassroots conservative Tea Party movement.

[Pictured: Charles Koch in 2015.]

- Total contributions: $11,538,544
--- Total hard money: $4,036,894 (35.0% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $7,501,650 (65.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $379,248 (3.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $11,158,846 (96.7% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($29,333)

Charles Schwab, the founder and chairman of Charles Schwab Corp. discount brokerage and financial services company, has been making major donations to Republicans in the U.S. Senate and has been a big supporter of Donald Trump. He has financially backed efforts to restrict contraception and reproductive rights and to restrict fundraising by labor unions.

[Pictured: Charles Schwab office building in Midtown Manhattan.]

- Total contributions: $11,633,841
--- Total hard money: $2,649,378 (22.8% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $8,984,463 (77.2% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $11,617,087 (99.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $8,919 (0.1% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Christy Smith ($20,033)

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is an active political donor in support of such issues as expanded collective bargaining rights, a living wage, paid sick and family leave, and equal pay for women. It endorsed California progressive Christy Smith, who is seeking to unseat Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in the U.S. House. They are competing in a district that includes Los Angeles and solidly supported Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race.

[Pictured: Barack Obama speaks during a rally supporting AFSCME.]

- Total contributions: $12,097,307
--- Total hard money: $2,044,352 (16.9% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $10,052,955 (83.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $12,095,056 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $1,382 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Bernie Sanders ($64,946)

In February 2020, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced plans for a campaign to defeat Donald Trump, focusing on battleground states and on getting out the vote among people of color. The SEIU has about 2 million members who work in health care, food service, janitorial services, and state and local government. Half its members are people of color, and more than half of its members are paid less than $15 an hour.

[Pictured: U.S. Sen. Ed Markey speaks during a SEIU members strike in 2019.]

- Total contributions: $12,391,825
--- Total hard money: $2,341,825 (18.9% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $10,050,000 (81.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $11,932,499 (96.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $459,326 (3.7% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Sara Gideon ($20,005)

The Laborers Union, which represents workers in the construction industry, announced its endorsement of Joe Biden on Labor Day. Getting donations from individual union members is Maine House Speaker Sarah Gideon, who is seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.

[Pictured: The Moreschi Building, located at 905 16th Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C., serves as headquarters of the Laborers' International Union of North America.]

- Total contributions: $12,852,284
--- Total hard money: $852,284 (6.6% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $12,000,000 (93.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $12,852,284 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Jaime Harrison ($5,657)

Commercial printer Newsweb Corporation, which specializes in foreign language and alternative newspapers, was founded by Chicago businessman Fred Eychaner in 1971. He was a major supporter of Hillary Clinton in 2016 and now is a major donor to the Biden Victory Fund.

- Total contributions: $12,946,477
--- Total hard money: $1,885,977 (14.6% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $11,060,500 (85.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $12,852,022 (99.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $83,255 (0.6% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Nancy Goroff ($188,935)

Renaissance Technologies is a hedge fund founded by mathematician James Simons. He has made major donations to Unite the Country, a super PAC that was created by former Biden aides and Democratic strategists, and Priorities USA Action, a super PAC created in 2011 by former White House staffers to back Barack Obama in 2012 and Hillary Clinton in 2016.

[Pictured: James Simons, director of Renaissance Technologies LLC.]

- Total contributions: $12,965,781
--- Total hard money: $2,797,461 (21.6% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $10,168,320 (78.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $12,949,227 (99.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $6,448 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($17,347)

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which has 1.7 million members, threw its support behind the Green New Deal in July 2020, particularly its call for higher wages and for providing jobs to veterans and rural Amercans. The Green New Deal was a 2019 congressional resolution that provides a blueprint of policies for fighting climate change, from cutting military spending to supporting workers affected by a transition away from fossil fuels.

[Pictured: American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten.]

- Total contributions: $13,227,101
--- Total hard money: $128,456 (1.0% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $13,098,645 (99.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $41,966 (0.3% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $12,668,285 (95.8% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Justin Amash ($16,800)

Susquehanna International Group is a successful Pennsylvania trading company known for using strategies drawn from poker and chess. Co-founder Jeff Yass made a big donation this year to the Club for Growth Action super PAC, which says on its website that it opposes big-government politicians and supports limited-government conservatives.

[Pictured: SIG's European Headquarters, Dublin.]

- Total contributions: $13,593,150
--- Total hard money: $593,150 (4.4% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $13,000,000 (95.6% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $13,593,150 (100.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Susan Collins ($5,600)

The private, nonprofit Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment and Research was founded by billionaire Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson. Adelson, the chairman of Las Vegas Sands casinos, is a very public supporter of Donald Trump.

[Pictured: Sheldon Adelson and Dr. Miriam Adelson.]

- Total contributions: $13,985,625
--- Total hard money: $485,625 (3.5% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $13,500,000 (96.5% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $13,980,025 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Tom O'Halleran ($8,400)

Euclidean Capital is the family office managing the private wealth of hedge fund billionaire James Simons. Before he founded Renaissance Technologies, Simons was a university math professor and a U.S. military codebreaker during the Vietnam War. Euclidean Capital has been making donations to congressional Democrats.

[Pictured: Jim Simons attends the IAS Einstein Gala honoring him in 2019.]

- Total contributions: $14,174,940
--- Total hard money: $1,174,940 (8.3% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $13,000,000 (91.7% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $11,187 (0.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $14,163,700 (99.9% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Donald Trump ($13,384)

Las Vegas Sands is a global casino empire controlled by Sheldon Adelson, its majority shareholder, chief executive, and chairman, who is a major supporter of Donald Trump. According to campaign finance records, Adelson and his wife Dr. Miriam Adelson gave more than $82 million to Republicans in 2016 and more than $123 million in 2018.

[Pictured: Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corps, Sheldon Adelson.]

- Total contributions: $16,246,849
--- Total hard money: $2,243,679 (13.8% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $14,003,170 (86.2% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $15,747,110 (96.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $499,671 (3.1% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Christy Smith ($20,000)

The Carpenters & Joiners Union has been a supporter of the House Majority PAC, founded by Democrats after heavy conservative spending in 2010 helped Republicans win control of the U.S. House. The union, which has more than a half-million members, supports issues like fair labor standards, efforts to battle employer payroll fraud, fair trade agreements, and pension reform for workers to get full benefits.

- Total contributions: $16,459,151
--- Total hard money: $1,126 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $16,458,025 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $126 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $16,459,025 (100.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Greg Walden ($500)

American Action Network has announced plans for multimillion-dollar advertising spending in the 2020 political season. It is what’s known as a dark money group that portrays itself as an industry association or nonprofit and runs campaign attack ads. It also is a significant contributor to the House Republicans’ super PAC, the Congressional Leadership Fund.

[Pictured: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks with Fred Malek, one of the co-founders of the American Action Network.]

- Total contributions: $17,702,825
--- Total hard money: $9,426 (0.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $17,693,399 (99.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $17,701,783 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $1,012 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($1,388)

The Senate Majority PAC was founded in 2011 with the express aim of winning U.S. Senate races by challenging Republicans, defending Democrats from attacks, and chasing open Senate seats. It supports affordable and accessible health care and opposes tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts in Medicare and education funding.

- Total contributions: $20,168,703
--- Total hard money: $1,313,382 (6.5% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $18,855,321 (93.5% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $20,143,357 (99.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $24,665 (0.1% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($43,369)

The founder and head of Bloomberg LP media and financial data company, former New York CIty Mayor Mike Bloomberg, made a promise in August to spend $60 million to bolster the Democratic majority in the U.S. House. Bloomberg, who made a brief presidential bid in 2020, has also made donations to the Democratic National Committee and to gun-control efforts.

[Pictured: Michael Bloomberg speaks during an event to introduce his gun safety policy agenda in 2019.]

- Total contributions: $21,779,134
--- Total hard money: $2,154,134 (9.9% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $19,625,000 (90.1% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $21,773,534 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $5,600 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Cory Booker ($50,600)

Hedge fund Paloma Partners, managed by Donald Sussman, has been contributing to liberal causes like the House Majority PAC and Senate Majority PAC. Sussman was a top donor to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.

[Pictured: Donald Sussman, founder of Paloma Partners.]

- Total contributions: $27,434,247
--- Total hard money: $2,022 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $27,432,225 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $27,434,247 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Maya Rockeymoore Cummings ($600)

The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a Washington-based nonprofit, serves as a network for funding progressive causes. It focuses on issues such as racial and criminal justice, fighting climate change, and expanding economic opportunity. It was involved in funding efforts to block the nomination of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

[Pictured: A sign at a protest against the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.]

- Total contributions: $31,944,065
--- Total hard money: $3,694,421 (11.6% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $28,249,644 (88.4% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $3,147,511 (9.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $28,792,177 (90.1% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Joe Biden ($135,558)

Blackstone Group’s CEO Stephen Schwarzman is the largest campaign contributor in 2020 on Wall Street, backing Donald Trump and other Republicans. Reportedly worth more than $18 billion, the head of the real estate investment giant worked briefly in the Trump White House chairing a strategic and policy forum. He has made key donations to support Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate.

[Pictured: CEO and co-founder of Blackstone, Stephen Schwarzman.]

- Total contributions: $34,260,688
--- Total hard money: $102,257 (0.3% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $34,158,431 (99.7% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $34,260,688 (100.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $0 (0.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Democrat/liberal
- Top recipient of individual funds: Sara Gideon ($16,850)

Fahr LLC supports efforts linked to sustainable energy, socially responsible finance, and fighting climate change. It is owned by Thomas Fahr Steyer, a billionaire hedge fund manager and environmentalist. A critic of Donald Trump, Steyer made a failed bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination and has been an important Democratic donor for several years.

[Pictured: Thomas Fahr Steyer.]

- Total contributions: $40,075,817
--- Total hard money: $2,025,817 (5.1% of total contributions)
--- Total outside money: $38,050,000 (94.9% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Democrats: $8,311 (0.0% of total contributions)
--- Contributions to Republicans: $40,067,459 (100.0% of total contributions)
- Political lean: solidly Republican/conservative
- Top recipient of individual funds: Tom Tiffany ($13,225)

Uline Inc, a Wisconsin-based shipping and packaging materials distributor, is led by Liz and Richard Uihlein, who are big donors to Donald Trump. Richard Uihlein has been a major supporter of Restoration PAC, a right-wing group that calls for defunding Planned Parenthood and more support for police departments.

[Pictured: Close-up of the Uline logo on packing tape dispenser.]