Bader Family Foundation
The Bader Family Foundation (BFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that describes itself as being concerned with civil rights and free speech issues. BFF funds organizations that advocate around a number of right-wing issues, including campus free speech, federal bureaucracy, science policy, and conservative censorship. The Foundation provides grant funding to a number of conservative and hard-right organizations. Recipients include think-tanks such as the Heritage Foundation, Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, and the Cato Institute as well as legal aid funds for conservative organizations.
Contents
News and Controversies
Legal Activity
Hans F. Bader, an attorney and sole trustee of the Bader Family Foundation, engages in most of the Foundation’s legal activities. Bader, a former Senior Attorney at the Competitive Enterprise Institute — to which the BFF regularly gifts large funds — worked in the Trump administration’s U.S. Department of Education as an advisor attorney.[1] Bader also worked as Senior Counsel at the Center for Individual Rights, another regular BFF grant recipient, and in the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights during the George W. Bush administration. While a law student at Harvard, Bader opposed a proposed hate speech ban, calling the guidelines “too vague in terms of words and language” and “viewpoint-based.”[2]
In 2010, Bader served as co-counsel to the plaintiff in the successful Supreme Court case Free Enterprise Fund v. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board — related to the federal separation of powers — and has also submitted amicus curiae in other Supreme Court cases.[3]
FOIA Lawsuits
The Bader Family Foundation has filed a number of federal lawsuits over unresponsive open records requests, which the Foundation alleges improperly went unfulfilled. According to The FOIA Project, which tracks federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits, the Bader Family Foundation has sued federal agencies over FOIA requests 13 times since 2021, including the U.S. Departments of State, Education, Agriculture, Small Business Administration, Health and Human Services, as well as the Civil Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.[4] These records requests usually presume federal collusion on “woke” subjects, such as critical race theory, discrimination against white people, and anti-charter grant funding.
For example, in 2021 the Foundation sued the U.S. Department of Education for records relating to the teaching of critical race theory in history classes.[5]
In April 2023, the Foundation sued the U.S. Departments of Education (D.O.E.) and Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) over unresponsive FOIA requests. In the D.O.E. case, the Foundation sought records regarding presumed collusion by Deputy Assistant Secretary Ruth Ryder and other Department officials in preventing charter schools’ access to grant funds.[6] The allegation that the D.O.E. is inhibiting charter schools’ access to federal funding is the subject of other conservative litigation, including a lawsuit by the Pacific Legal Foundation, which was reported by the pro-charter Mackinac Center’s publication.[7]
In the U.S.D.A. case, the Foundation was in search of presumed internal U.S.D.A. records which would reveal that the department had discriminated against white farmers.[8]
When the Foundation receives responsive requests, it posts them and commentary on its related blog, Liberty Unyielding. Bader regularly cites the blog’s readership as evidence that the records will reach the public and render a public good.
Amicus Briefs
The BFF has filed amicus briefs on lawsuits concerning a number of conservative issues. For example, in 2022 the BFF joined the Manhattan Institute to file an amicus brief arguing that a Pennsylvania law prohibiting an attorney from knowingly engaging “in conduct constituting harassment or discrimination” was an unconstitutional attack on free speech and “enforces a rigid ideological orthodoxy.”[9] Since 2014, the Manhattan Institute has been a regular recipient of Bader Family Foundation grants.
Liberty Unyielding Blog
Hans Bader regularly contributes to the Liberty Unyielding blog, which publishes conservative commentary on a number of social and policy issues. Other regular contributors include the conservative cartoonist A.F. Branco, and syndicated articles from the Daily Caller. Its articles are frequently reprinted or cited by other conservative news sites, including the National Review, Reason Magazine, the Washington Times, and the Center Square.
Grants Distributed
The Bader Family Foundation made nearly $36 million in contributions to various organizations between 2009 and 2022, as disclosed on their IRS filings. Listed below are the grant recipients.
2022
As reported on its 2022 IRS 990 Filing:
- Alliance Defending Freedom: $155,000
- American Civil Rights Project: $10,000
- American Enterprise Institute: $60,000
- Becket Fund For Religious Liberty: $212,000
- Center For Equal Opportunity: $85,000
- Center For Individual Rights: $300,000
- Center For Prosecutor Integrity: $113,000
- Center of The American Experiment: $35,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $10,000
- Criminal Justice Legal Foundation: $175,000
- Employment Policies Institute: $3,000
- Family Reunion: $700,000
- Foundation For Economic Education: $10,000
- Foundation For Individual Rights In Education: $175,000
- Freedom Works Foundation: $9,000
- George Mason University Foundation: $60,000
- Goldwater Institute: $55,000
- Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute: $320,000
- Independent Institute: $23,000
- Independent Women's Forum: $20,000
- James G. Martin Center For Academic Renewal: $25,000
- Job Creators Network Foundation: $20,000
- Leadership Institute: $48,000
- Liberty Justice Center: $55,000
- Manhattan Institute For Policy Research: $129,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $140,000
- National Association Of Scholars: $30,000
- National Legal And Policy Center: $15,000
- National Parents Organization: $230,000
- New Civil Liberties Alliance: $60,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $205,000
- Parents Defending Education: $160,000
- Project on Fair Representation: $105,000
- Real Clear Foundation: $20,000
- Speech First: $435,000
- Student Free Press Association: $27,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $60,000
- The Reason Foundation: $10,000
- Thomas Jefferson Institute For Public Policy: $15,000
- Upper Midwest Law Center: $30,000
- Virginia Victim Assistance Network: $5,000
- Wisconsin Institute For Law And Liberty: $350,000
2021
As reported on its 2021 IRS 990 Filing:[10]
- Alliance Defending Freedom: $200,000
- American Culture Foundation: $10,000
- American Enterprise Institute: $72,000
- Becket Fund for Religious Liberty: $200,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $85,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $365,000
- Center for Prosecutor Integrity: $100,000
- Center of the American Experiment: $30,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $21,000
- Crack’s Project Prevention: $65,000
- Criminal Justice Legal Foundation: $240,000
- Discovery Institute: $18,000
- Family Reunion: $650,000
- Foundation for Economic Education: $10,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $225,000
- George Mason University Foundation: $50,000
- Goldwater Institute: $18,000
- Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute: $267,000
- James G Martin Center for Academic Renewal: $60,000
- Leadership Institute: $23,000
- Liberty Justice Center: $52,000
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $205,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $40,000
- National Association of Scholars: $30,000
- National Legal and Policy Center: $10,000
- National Parents Organization: $255,000
- New Civil Liberties Alliance: $11,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $165,000
- Parents Defending Education: $130,000
- Project On Fair Representation: $188,000
- Public Interest Legal Foundation: $25,000
- Real Clear Foundation: $25,000
- Reason Foundation: $10,000
- Southeastern Legal Foundation: $70,000
- Speech First: $298,000
- Student Free Press Association: $25,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $68,000
- Thomas B. Fordham Foundation: $10,000
- Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy: $50,000
- Upper Midwest Law Center: $10,000
- Virginia Victim Assistance Network: $25,000
- Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty: $335,000
2020
As reported on its 2020 IRS 990 Filing:[11]
- Alliance Defending Freedom: $150,000
- American Enterprise Institute: $26,000
- Becket Fund for Religious Liberty: $200,000
- Cato Institute: $54,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $80,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $435,000
- Center for Prosecutor Integrity: $130,000
- Center of the American Experiment: $30,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $17,000
- Criminal Justice Legal Foundation: $235,000
- Donors Trust: $60,000
- Family Reunion: $570,000
- Foundation for Economic Education: $10,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $335,000
- George Mason University’s Liberty and Law Center: $50,000
- Goldwater Institute: $30,000
- Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute: $318,000
- Institute for Justice: $15,000
- James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal: $15,000
- Leadership Institute: $15,000
- Liberty Justice Center: $10,000
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $208,000
- Media Research Center: $8,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $50,000
- National Association of Scholars: $25,000
- National Legal and Policy Center: $15,000
- National Parents Organization: $230,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $154,000
- Project on Fair Representation: $70,000
- Project Prevention: $100,000
- Public Interest Legal Foundation: $28,000
- Real Clear Foundation: $21,000
- Reason Foundation: $28,000
- Speech First: $300,000
- State Policy Network: $6,000
- Student Free Press Association: $27,000
- Students for Fair Admissions: $30,000
- Charlemagne Institute: $10,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $50,000
- Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy: $30,000
- Virginia Victim Assistance Network: $20,000
- Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty: $125,000
2019
As reported on its 2019 IRS 990 Filing:[12]
- Alliance Defending Freedom: $100,000
- American Enterprise Institute: $29,000
- Becket Fund for Religious Liberty: $125,000
- Cato Institute: $60,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $90,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $435,000
- Center for Prosecutor Integrity: $100,000
- Center of the American Experiment: $49,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $28,000
- [Criminal Justice Legal Foundation]]: $100,000
- Donors Trust: $141,300
- Family Reunion: $200,000
- Foundation for Economic Education: $3,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $350,000
- Genetic Literacy Project: $20,000
- George Mason University’s Liberty and Law Center: $50,800
- Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute: $180,000
- Institute for Justice: $20,000
- James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal: $30,000
- Leadership Institute: $15,000
- Liberty Justice Center: $10,000
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $161,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $51,000
- National Association of Scholars: $15,000
- National Legal and Policy Center: $30,000
- National Parents Organization: $235,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $130,000
- Project on Fair Representation: $85,000
- Project Prevention: $100,000
- Public Interest Legal Foundation: $40,000
- Real Clear Foundation: $15,000
- Reason Foundation: $32,000
- Speech First: $145,000
- Stop Abuse for Everyone: $600,000
- Student Free Press Association: $30,000
- Student Press Law Center Inc.: $5,000
- Charlemagne Institute: $20,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $145,000
- Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy: $10,000
- UCLA Foundation: $5,000
- Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty: $85,000
2018
As reported on its 2018 IRS 990 Filing:[13]
- American Enterprise Institute: $33,000
- American Legislative Exchange Council: $1,000
- Becket Fund for Religious Liberty: $10,000
- Cato Institute: $55,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $60,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $567,713
- Center of the American Experiment: $35,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $138,000
- Criminal Justice Legal Foundation]]: $60,000
- Donors Trust: $60,000
- Eagle Forum’s Education and Legal Defense Fund: $2,000
- Electronic Frontier Foundation: $2,500
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $668,500
- George Mason University’s Liberty and Law Center: $5,000
- Goldwater Institute: $3,000
- Heartland Institute: $1,000
- Institute for Justice: $15,000
- James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal: $15,000
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $153,000
- Minding the Campus Inc.: $25,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $75,000
- National Association of Scholars: $5,000
- National Legal and Policy Center: $5,000
- National Parents Organization: $230,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $70,000
- Project on Fair Representation: $125,000
- Project Prevention: $100,000
- Public Interest Legal Foundation: $21,000
- Reason Foundation: $7,000
- Speech First: $30,000
- State Policy Network: $2,000
- Stop Abuse for Everyone: $655,000
- Student Free Press Association: $14,000
- Student Press Law Center Inc.: $2,000
- Students for Fair Admissions: $100,000
- Charlemagne Institute: $10,000
- The Federalist Society: $9,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $45,000
- Thomas B. Fordham Foundation: $16,000
- UCLA Foundation: $2,000
- Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty: $54,000
2017
As reported on its 2017 IRS 990 Filing:[14]
- American Enterprise Institute: $25,000
- Cato Institute: $55,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $55,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $600,000
- Center for Prosecutor Integrity: $115,000
- Center of the American Experiment: $28,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $140,000
- Criminal Justice Legal Foundation: $50,000
- David Horowitz Freedom Center: $1,400
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $870,000
- Intellectual Takeout: $10,000
- James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal: $18,500
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $80,000
- Minding the Campus Inc.: $12,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $64,000
- National Association of Scholars: $5,000
- National Parents Organization: $175,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $51,000
- Project Prevention: $84,000
- Public Interest Legal Foundation: $18,000
- Stop Abuse for Everyone: $360,000
- Student Free Press Association: $10,000
- Student Press Law Center Inc.: $2,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $45,000
- Thomas B. Fordham Foundation: $17,000
2016
As reported on its 2016 IRS 990 Filing:[15]
- American Enterprise Institute: $25,000
- Cato Institute: $55,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $55,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $600,000
- Center for Prosecutor Integrity: $115,000
- Center of the American Experiment: $28,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $140,000
- Criminal Justice Legal Foundation: $50,000
- David Horowitz Freedom Center: $1,400
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $870,000
- Intellectual Takeout: $10,000
- James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal: $18,500
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $80,000
- Minding the Campus Inc.: $12,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $64,000
- National Association of Scholars: $5,000
- National Parents Organization: $175,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $51,000
- Project Prevention: $84,000
- Public Interest Legal Foundation: $18,000
- Stop Abuse for Everyone: $360,000
- Student Free Press Association: $10,000
- Student Press Law Center Inc.: $2,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $45,000
- Thomas B. Fordham Foundation: $17,000
2015
As reported on its 2015 IRS 990 Filing:[16]
- American Enterprise Institute: $15,000
- Cato Institute: $40,000
- Center for Class Action Fairness: $125,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $42,300
- Center for Individual Rights: $700,000
- Center for Prosecutor Integrity: $89,500
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $23,700
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $1,000,000
- John William Pope Foundation: $24,000
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $10,000
- Minding the Campus Inc.: $13,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $50,000
- National Parents Organization: $105,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $40,000
- Project Prevention: $50,000
- Stop Abuse for Everyone: $250,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $40,000
2014
As reported on its 2014 IRS 990 Filing:[17]
- American Enterprise Institute: $15,000
- American Refugee Committee: $50,000
- Cato Institute: $40,000
- Center for Class Action Fairness: $50,000
- Center for Equal Opportunity: $42,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $535,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $40,000
- Families Advocating for Campus Equity: $5,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $755,000
- John William Pope Foundation: $30,000
- Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: $20,000
- Mountain States Legal Foundation: $20,000
- National Parents Organization: $100,000
- Operation Exodus Inner City: $30,000
- Pacific Legal Foundation: $40,000
- Project Prevention: $150,000
- Stop Abuse for Everyone: $250,000
- Stop Abusive and Violent Environments: $75,000
- The Heritage Foundation: $37,000
2013
As reported on its 2013 IRS 990 Filing:[18]
- Center for Class Action Fairness: $250,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $200,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $30,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $500,000
- National Parents Organization: $200,000
- Operation Exodus Inner City: $30,000
- Project Prevention: $100,000
- Schwab Charitable Fund: $700,000
2012
As reported on its 2012 IRS 990 Filing:[19]
- Center for Individual Rights: $286,448
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $80,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $166,339
- Operation Exodus Inner City: $20,000
- Project Prevention: $100,000
2011
As reported on its 2011 IRS 990 Filing:[20]
- Center for Individual Rights: $200,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $100,000
2010
As reported on its 2010 IRS 990 Filing:[21]
- American Refugee Committee: $100,000
- Center for Individual Rights: $110,000
- Competitive Enterprise Institute: $30,000
- Foundation for Individual Rights in Education: $100,000
- International Rescue Committee: $70,000
- Lars Bader Charitable Trust C/O FLSV LLP: $100,750
- Operation Exodus Inner City: $20,000
- Project Prevention: $100,000
- UNICEF: $180,000
2009
As reported on its 2010 IRS 990 Filing, no grants were made available that year.[22]
Core Financials
As reported on the Bader Family Foundation IRS 990 filings:
2022
- Total Revenue: $4,914,026
- Total Expenses: $5,158,032
- Net Assets: $80,016,264
2021[10]
- Total Revenue: $3,180,405
- Total Expenses: $5,308,119
- Net Assets: $77,204,301
2020[11]
- Total Revenue: ($2,289,239)
- Total Expenses: $4,832,434
- Net Assets: $79,332,015
2019[12]
- Total Revenue: $1,789,199
- Total Expenses: $4,626,819
- Net Assets: $86,453,688
2018[13]
- Total Revenue: $2,976,565
- Total Expenses: $3,638,058
- Net Assets: $86,888,990
2017[14]
- Total Revenue: $26,561,954
- Total Expenses: $2,983,127
- Net Assets: $85,357,611
2016[15]
- Total Revenue: $13,173,280
- Total Expenses: $2,626,115
- Net Assets: $63,971,657
2015[16]
- Total Revenue: $7,283,965
- Total Expenses: $2,700,658
- Net Assets: $53,402,287
2014[17]
- Total Revenue: $2,776,440
- Total Expenses: $2,360,622
- Net Assets: $48,004,503
2013[18]
- Total Revenue: $8,126,932
- Total Expenses: $2,289,241
- Net Assets: $49,300,872
2012[19]
- Total Revenue: $14,897,381
- Total Expenses: $747,043
- Net Assets: $40,233,055
2011[20]
- Total Revenue: $12,090,490
- Total Expenses: $349,107
- Net Assets: $26,267,188
2010[21]
- Total Revenue: $14,331,148
- Total Expenses: $824,390
- Net Assets: $14,938,820
2009[22]
- Total Revenue: $1,430,109
- Total Expenses: $0
- Net Assets: $1,430,109
Personnel
Trustees
- Hans F. Bader, Trustee (2014 – present)
Former Trustees
- Lars Bader (2009 – 2013)
Contact Information
Bader Family Foundation
1236 N. Stafford St.
Arlington, VA 22201
Accountant:
℅ Frankel Loughran Starr & Vallone LLP
1475 Franklin Ave.
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 874-8800
Resources and Articles
IRS Form 990 Filings
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
References
- ↑ ProPublica’s Trump Town, Hans Bader, ProPublica, Accessed June 15, 2023.
- ↑ Ishaan Seth, Law Students Criticize Policy on Hate, Harvard Crimson, March 22, 1994.
- ↑ Hans Bader, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Amicus Curiae Brief in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1, Competitive Enterprise Institute Website, Accessed June 15, 2023.
- ↑ The FOIA Project Case Search, The FOIA Project, Accessed June 15, 2023.
- ↑ Bader Family Foundation v. United States Department of Education, Case Number 1:2021cv02086, The FOIA Project, Accessed June 15, 2023.
- ↑ Bader Family Foundation v. United States Department of Education, Case Number 1:2023cv00950, The FOIA Project, Accessed June 15, 2023.
- ↑ James David Dickson, Michigan Charter Schools Allege Sneak Attack, Sue Feds Over Grants, Michigan Capitol Confidential, August 10, 2022.
- ↑ Bader Family Foundation V. United States Department of Agriculture, Case Number 1:2023cv00961, The FOIA Project, Accessed June 15, 2023.
- ↑ Ilya Shapiro, Amicus Brief: Greenberg v. Lehocky, Manhattan Institute Website, October 25, 2022.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2021 IRS 990 IRS Filing, ProPublica’s NonProfit Explorer, November 15, 2022.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2020 IRS 990 IRS Filing, organizational filing, November 15, 2021.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2019 IRS 990 IRS Filing, organizational filing, November 16, 2020.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2018 IRS 990 IRS Filing, organizational filing, November 13, 2019.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2017 IRS 990 IRS Filing, organizational filing, November 14, 2017.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2016 IRS 990 IRS Filing, organizational filing, November 15, 2017.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2015 IRS 990 IRS Filing, organizational filing, November 15, 2016.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2014 IRS 990 IRS Filing, Organizational Filing, August 4, 2015.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2013 IRS 990 IRS Filing, Organizational Filing, November 13, 2014.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2012 IRS 990 IRS Filing, Organizational Filing, August 13, 2013.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2011 IRS 990 IRS Filing, Organizational Filing, August 21, 2012.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2010 IRS 990 IRS Filing, Organizational Filing, June 30, 2011.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Bader Family Foundation, 2009 IRS 990 IRS Filing, ProPublica’s NonProfit Explorer, August 20, 2010.
