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The Open Society Foundations (OSF), founded by billionaire philanthropist George Soros, have pledged $300 million (€259 million) over the next five years to defend democratic institutions and advance economic security in the United States.
The commitment comes amid escalating political pressure on non-profit organisations and charitable funders from the US administration.
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, conservative allies and lawmakers have intensified scrutiny of progressive non-profits. Allies in Congress have requested that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate organisations they accuse of supporting illegal immigration, climate programmes or far-left groups.
In late 2025, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi directed law enforcement to investigate non-profits allegedly linked to antifa. When asked about potential inquiries into OSF, a DOJ spokesperson declined to comment.
“We are continuing our work unabated. We will not be intimidated into silence,” said Laleh Ispahani, managing director for the US at OSF.
The funding represents the first major US-focused initiative approved under the leadership of Alex Soros, George Soros’ son, who took over as chair of the foundations following a major internal restructuring.
The five-year strategy aims to address civil rights and economic insecurity as interconnected challenges.
Soros, a longtime Democratic donor, has given away more than $32 billion of his personal fortune to different causes.
