Project Shit-stirrer: Political Influence Network Mapping
Original Mission created by RENSIC.
Submit Your Research MissionMission Overview
The investigation into political influence networks requires a meticulous cross-referencing of vast datasets, ranging from media acquisitions and political donations to complex offshore financial structures. By synthesizing information from public records, campaign finance databases, and corporate filings, researchers can uncover hidden shell companies, proxy directors, and convoluted money trails that have previously evaded scrutiny. This mission focuses on the intersection of high-level political influence, media manipulation, and opaque financial networks, where digital footprints often lead to institutional enablers.
Researchers are tasked with mapping these connections using open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to transform fragmented data into a cohesive evidentiary narrative. The objective is to move beyond speculation and produce verifiable reports that can withstand legal challenges. This involves identifying specific entities, verifying transaction timestamps, and corroborating media acquisitions with secondary records. Through this decentralized effort, we aim to build an immutable record of accountability that bypasses traditional gatekeepers and ensures that the truth remains accessible to the public, providing the necessary pressure for real-world fact-verification.
Primary Objective
Identification of actionable data points for legal review.
Scope
Multi-jurisdictional media, political, and financial network mapping.
Goal
To tie together a vast array of databases to accumulate actionable legal data across the US and elsewhere.
Mandatory Tools First
In order to participate in this Mission, you will need ProofMode for physical verification, along with specialized open-source digital forensic tools:
ProofMode
A lightweight app that turns your phone into a secure evidence-gathering device by automatically adding cryptographic signatures and metadata. Essential for physical verification of shell NGOs and local entities.
proofmode.orgApp Usage & Settings:
- ProofMode: When photographing physical locations, public meetings, or physical documents, ensure good lighting and clear focus. Set video to 1080p 30fps. DO NOT use 4K video. Ensure location services are enabled for accurate metadata.
Open Source Forensic Tools (Digital & Financial Analysis):
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
The absolute best tool for searching IRS Form 990s and tracing grants between non-profits.
projects.propublica.orgFEC.gov Data
Track direct political donations to candidates and PACs to map influence networks.
fec.gov/dataOpenSecrets
Great for seeing the big picture of dark money, lobbying, and political spending.
opensecrets.orgGephi
Essential for visualizing and analyzing complex networks, board overlaps, and financial flows.
gephi.orgFor additional operational resources, consult the Tools and Testing, Ethical Testing Guide, Verification Guide, and Smart Contracts pages.
The Web Weaver's Guide
Project Shit-stirrer: Mapping the Machine
The Big Picture
We are mapping the machine. Mega-donors don't just write checks; they build ecosystems. They fund "grassroots" non-profits, local district attorney races, media fact-checkers, and activist groups to create the illusion of organic consensus. Our goal is to connect the dots. We need digital sleuths to trace the money from the top-level foundations down to the street-level organizations. We aren't looking for conspiracy theories; we are looking for wire transfers, board member overlaps, and IRS tax filings.
How to Connect the Dots
You are looking for the hidden strings. Here is how you find them:
- The 990 Trail: Every non-profit has to file a Form 990 with the IRS. Look at "Schedule I" to see exactly which other organizations they gave grants to.
- Board Overlap: Find out who sits on the Board of Directors for a local activist group. Then, search those names to see if they also sit on the board of a massive political action committee (PAC).
- The Media Buy: Track down who is funding the "independent" local news outlets or fact-checking organizations in swing states.
Your OSINT Toolkit:
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: The absolute best tool for searching IRS Form 990s.
- FEC.gov Data: Track direct political donations to candidates and PACs.
- OpenSecrets: Great for seeing the big picture of dark money and lobbying.
Boots on the Ground (Independent Verification)
Digital mapping is great, but physical verification is bulletproof. If you find a shell NGO receiving millions, go to their registered address. Is it a real office, or just a PO Box at a strip mall? Attend public city council meetings and document if the people pushing for specific policies are being paid by the networks you've mapped. Take photos, record public meetings, and submit the raw files.
The Bounty Requirements
To claim a bounty, your submission must be airtight. We need:
1. The Map: A clear explanation of the connection (e.g., "Foundation A gave $500k to PAC B, which funded Candidate C").
2. The Proof: The raw PDFs of the tax filings, FEC records, or corporate registrations.
3. The Source: Direct links to where you found the documents so our validators can verify them instantly.
Milestones
This mission is structured in three progressive milestones to ensure systematic and verifiable mapping of influence networks.
Milestone 1: The Initial Web
$65,000Goal: Establish the foundational map of major NGO and PAC funding flows.
- Identify and document at least 50 primary funding vehicles (foundations, major PACs).
- Trace initial grants to secondary organizations using IRS Form 990s and FEC data.
- Provide raw PDFs and source links for all identified connections.
Milestone 2: The Shell Game & Local Impact
$150,000Goal: Uncover hidden pass-through entities and trace funding to local-level impact (e.g., DA races, local media).
- Identify at least 20 previously undocumented LLCs or shell companies acting as pass-throughs.
- Document direct financial links between mega-donor networks and local elections or "independent" local news outlets.
- Require physical verification (photos, public meeting records) for at least 10 local entities.
Milestone 3: The Global Syndicate
$300,000Goal: Expand the map multi-jurisdictionally, linking US operations to international opaque financial networks and offshore structures.
- Map connections between US-based entities and offshore financial structures or international NGOs.
- Synthesize all data into a comprehensive, interactive network map suitable for legal review.
- Publish a final, verified report detailing the complete influence network architecture.
Mission Downloads
The following files are pre-configured specifically for Project Shit-stirrer: Political Influence Network Mapping. Citizen Researchers can use these templates to compile legally verifiable, corroborating evidence for submission to municipal authorities or courts.
Submission Requirements
Citizen Researchers are required to submit these two files (completely filled out; the .json is pre-filled with Mission-specific metadata) alongside the raw evidence ProofMode video or photo files for full review, validation, and payment.
Mission Budget Breakdown
Total Funding Necessary: $65,000
Procurement of NGO filings, campaign finance records, and specialized database access.
Payouts for verified tasks, data cross-referencing, and actionable intelligence.
Secure hosting, data processing, and analysis software.
Operational and administrative support.
Mission Timeline
Mission Created
Project Shit-stirrer initialized. Initial funding round opened.
Initial Data Gathering
First wave of NGO filings and campaign finance records to be collected.
Database Integration
Currently tying together databases to accumulate actionable legal data.
Network Mapping and Analysis
Final synthesis of verifiable data packages for further analysis.
Network Activity
Mission Initialized
System
Mission Results
Detailed Results Locked. Findings are undergoing Board verification before public release to protect chain of custody.
How do you want to participate?
Minimum contribution: $10.00
This mission is currently in manual funding phase. All contributions are tracked publicly. Full platform automation launching Q3 2026.
NOTE: All transactions are securely processed and tracked for Escrow services.
Drag & Drop Results
PDF, ZIP, JSON (Max 50MB)