# Foundation for Defense of Democracies

> think tank and policy institute originally funded by the Abramson Family Foundation

**Wikidata**: [Q5474411](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5474411)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_for_Defense_of_Democracies)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/foundation-for-defense-of-democracies

## Summary
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit think tank, policy institute, and pressure group founded in 2001. Originally funded by the Abramson Family Foundation, it focuses on foreign policy and national security research, specifically regarding Iran and Syria. The organization operates as part of the Israel lobby in the United States and is currently led by CEO Mark Dubowitz.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 2001.
- **Location:** Washington, D.C., United States.
- **Legal Status:** 501(c)(3) organization.
- **Leadership:** Mark Dubowitz (CEO).
- **Primary Focus:** Research and lobbying related to Iran, Syria, and the defense of democracies.
- **Affiliation:** Part of the Israel lobby in the United States; affiliated with the European Foundation for Democracy.
- **Revenue (2023):** $23,924,041 USD.
- **Designation:** Designated as a terrorist organization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.
- **Donors:** Originally funded by the Abramson Family Foundation; notable funders include Sheldon Adelson, Paul Singer, Bernard Marcus, and Haim Saban.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies?
A: FDD is a research institute and think tank that conducts policy research and lobbying. It focuses on national security and foreign policy issues, with a specific interest in countering the influence of Iran and Syria.

### Q: Who funds the Foundation for Defense of Democracies?
A: The organization was originally funded by the Abramson Family Foundation. It has since received funding from numerous high-profile donors, including Leonard Abramson, Sheldon Adelson, Paul Singer, Bernard Marcus, Haim Saban, and Richard Stephen Sackler.

### Q: Why was the Foundation for Defense of Democracies designated as a terrorist organization?
A: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran designated the FDD as a terrorist organization. This action is documented in the organization's records and is a notable aspect of its international standing regarding Iranian relations.

## Why It Matters
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies matters significantly within the context of U.S. foreign policy and Middle Eastern geopolitics. As a well-funded entity—generating over $23 million in revenue in 2023 and holding over $31 million in assets—FDD exerts influence as a pressure group and research institute within the Israel lobby. Its work specifically targeting the regimes in Iran and Syria positions it as a key actor in shaping sanctions and defense strategies. The organization's prominence is highlighted by its official designation as a terrorist entity by the Iranian government, underscoring the impact of its policy advocacy on adversarial nations. Additionally, its network of high-profile donors and affiliations with bodies like the European Foundation for Democracy amplifies its reach in global democratic discourse.

## Notable For
- Being designated a terrorist organization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran.
- Functioning as a central component of the Israel lobby in the United States.
- Receiving funding from billionaire donors such as Sheldon Adelson, Paul Singer, and the Sackler family (specifically Richard Stephen Sackler).
- Experiencing rapid financial growth, with revenue increasing from approximately $7.2 million in 2012 to over $32 million in 2019.
- Maintaining a specific research focus on Iran and Syria.

## Body

### Organizational Structure and Leadership
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) was established in 2001. It is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates as a think tank, research institute, and pressure group. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Its chief executive officer is Mark Dubowitz.

### Financial Overview
FDD has demonstrated significant financial activity over the past decade.
- **Revenue:** In 2011, revenue was approximately $8.08 million. By 2023, revenue had risen to $23.92 million, with a peak of approximately $32.65 million reported in 2019.
- **Assets:** As of 2023, the organization holds total assets valued at approximately $31.72 million.
- **Donations:** In 2023, the organization received $23.2 million in donations.

### Funding and Donors
The institute was originally funded by the Abramson Family Foundation. Subsequent major funders and sponsors include:
- Roland Arnall
- Edgar Bronfman, Sr. and Charles Bronfman
- Michael Steinhardt
- Leonard Abramson
- Bernard Marcus
- Lewis Ranieri
- Paul Singer
- Sheldon Adelson
- Haim Saban
- Richard Stephen Sackler

### Political Focus and Affiliations
FDD is a part of the Israel lobby in the United States and maintains affiliations with the Cabinet of Israel and the European Foundation for Democracy. Its primary geopolitical interests are Iran and Syria. The organization's political ideology has been associated with Islamophobia by academic sources such as Farid Hafez.

### International Recognition and Sanctions
A distinct aspect of FDD's international profile is its designation as a terrorist organization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran. This designation reflects the organization's adversarial stance toward the Iranian regime.

## References

1. Open ISNI for Organizations
2. The Family That Built an Empire of Pain
3. MusicBrainz
4. [Source](https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/134174402)
5. Google Knowledge Graph
6. Nonprofit Explorer
7. [Nonprofit Explorer](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/134174402)
8. Quora
9. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
10. [Source](https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=17166&oldpage)
11. YouTube API