Conservative megadonor funnels millions through Catholic org to advance agenda
Three nonprofits linked to conservative megadonor Leonard Leo channeled over $50 million into the Knights of Columbus, which then distributed millions to anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ political initiatives, according to tax filings from 2023-2024.
The 85 Fund ($39 million), Rule of Law Trust ($1.4 million), and Marble Freedom Trust ($500,000) provided the funding.
Despite the Knights of Columbus' public image as a community service organization associated with local fundraisers, it spent eight figures opposing abortion rights and LGBTQ+ protections.
In 2024 alone, the group donated $825,000 to March for Life and $500,000 opposing Florida's abortion rights amendment.
Leo, architect of the conservative Supreme Court supermajority and co-chair of the Federalist Society, uses the Knights of Columbus' legitimacy to advance unpopular policies most Catholic donors unknowingly support -- like working to limit access to abortion medication and supporting anti-trans laws.
Tax data reveals the organization contributed at least $2.8 million to anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ causes in 2023, contradicting majority Catholic support for reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights.
The Knights of Columbus is associated with local Tootsie Roll fundraisers and pancake breakfasts.
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