Adelson Family Foundation
Network Map
Organizational hierarchy & network connections
Connected Organizations
OVERVIEW
The Adelson Family Foundation, established by Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson in 2007, is a tax-exempt private family foundation that aims to support "the State of Israel and the Jewish people." The Adelsons were the single largest donors to Republican political campaigns in multiple election cycles, donating hundreds of millions of dollars. Their philanthropic network has been linked to funding organizations criticized for promoting anti-Muslim narratives.
KEY FIGURES
Sheldon Adelson (1933-2021) — Casino magnate, founder/CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation; was one of the wealthiest people in the world. Founded the free Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, widely seen as supportive of Netanyahu. Personally lobbied for the US Embassy move to Jerusalem.
Dr. Miriam Adelson — Physician and biomedical researcher; continued philanthropic and political activities after Sheldon's death. Israeli-born.
POLITICAL INFLUENCE
Major donor to Donald Trump's 2016 and 2020 campaigns and inaugural committees. Their political spending gave them significant influence over Republican positions, particularly on Israel-related policy.
FUNDING NETWORK
Canary Mission: Investigative reporting from The Forward traced funding connections to the Adelson orbit, though exact chains are obscured through intermediary organizations and donor-advised funds.
Clarion Project: Supported marketing of the "Obsession" DVD.
Birthright Israel: Among the largest donors, contributing hundreds of millions.
Other recipients: Israeli-American Council, Friends of the IDF, Yad Vashem.
ANTI-MUSLIM CONNECTIONS
The Adelson network's primary stated motivation is pro-Israel advocacy, but critics argue these overlap in practice with anti-Muslim organizational funding. The foundation's grants flow to organizations within the pro-Israel advocacy space that have been criticized by civil rights groups for promoting anti-Muslim or anti-Palestinian narratives.