David Zaruk, a science and policy analyst and editor at The Firebreak, said that major foundations are channeling resources into advocacy, litigation, and media efforts through entities such as Sher Edling across California municipalities via fiscal sponsors. He made this statement in The Firebreak.
“Foundations funding impact-oriented NGOs running campaigns against climate change, plastics, conventional agriculture… are also investing and profiting from alternatives,” said Zaruk. “Sher Edling is completely funded by a fiscal sponsor, New Venture Fund, managing the tens of millions of dollars donated by seven large climate-focused foundations. Billions of philanthropic resources are now going to activist campaigns and policy advocacy. These foundations, now managed by professional activist zealots, play to win and have access to bottomless funds and networks needed to succeed.”
In a December 2025 article published in The Firebreak, Zaruk elaborates on how foundations utilize fiscal sponsors and donor-advised funds to back campaigns and litigation. These mechanisms facilitate anonymous donations and minimize public scrutiny of financial transactions. The article provides several examples from environmental, media, and policy sectors for its audience.
Several California municipalities, including San Francisco and Oakland, have initiated climate lawsuits with the law firm Sher Edling. According to public documentation, the firm operates on a contingency fee basis and receives funding through New Venture Fund. Records indicate that Sher Edling represents local governments in cases involving climate-related allegations and associated claims.
New Venture Fund, a U.S.-based fiscal sponsor, reported over $975 million in revenue in 2021. It manages and allocates funding for numerous advocacy efforts and legal initiatives nationwide. Financial documents highlight connections to projects like Beyond Petroleum and other campaigns under its sponsorship framework.
Zaruk is based in Brussels and is the author of The Firebreak, which covers topics related to media, litigation, and philanthropy. Previously writing under the pseudonym “The Risk-Monger,” he has addressed issues concerning communication and regulatory debates. His work examines how policy discussions intersect with funding systems and public information channels.
