Koch family
An American family known for Koch Industries and for the political, philanthropic, and civic activities of Charles Koch and his late brother David.
Charles Koch: American businessman, philanthropist, and political donor who has led Koch Industries since 1967. He became the family’s principal public representative and directed much of its political and philanthropic work.
Americans for Prosperity: A conservative advocacy organization founded in 2004 and supported by Charles Koch and other donors. It became a major vehicle for organizing voters and advancing policy positions associated with the Koch network.
Koch Foundation: A charitable foundation established by Charles Koch to support education, research, and other causes. It channels part of Charles Koch’s philanthropy into academic and civic programs.
Political advocacy: Organized efforts to influence public policy, legislation, or government decisions. The family’s political activity is one prominent example of organized private advocacy.
David Koch: American businessman, philanthropist, and political donor who co-owned Koch Industries with his brother Charles. His campaigns, philanthropy, and public profile shaped the family’s influence until his death in 2019.
Koch network: A network of donors, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups associated with Charles Koch and allied funders. It describes the broader political infrastructure through which the family’s giving and organizing operated.
Cato Institute: An American public-policy research organization that advocates libertarian ideas. Charles Koch helped found the institute, which became a prominent outlet for libertarian policy research.
Campaign finance in the United States: The laws and practices governing money raised and spent in American elections. Debates about Koch political influence often center on the rules governing political spending.
Fred C. Koch: American chemical engineer and businessman who founded the company that became Koch Industries. His engineering venture supplied the family business’s origins and established its industrial base.
Political action committee: An organization that raises and spends money to influence elections under United States campaign-finance law. Campaign-finance rules distinguish direct election spending from the Koch network’s nonprofit advocacy.