People’s Forum Acquires $5 Million Building in Manhattan

NEW YORK — The People’s Forum, a nonprofit group with ties to pro-China interests, recently bought a run-down building in Manhattan for $5.15 million. They are now appealing to supporters for an additional $5 million to fund renovations, aiming to establish this location as a “permanent home” for their far-left organizing efforts.

This appeal for funds comes amidst investigations by lawmakers and federal agencies into the network associated with Neville Roy Singham, the organization’s financier. Singham is seen as having links to foreign influence operations, and scrutiny has heightened following the resignation of a California mayor who admitted to illegal activities on behalf of China.

The People’s Forum has been a pivotal entity within the Singham network, serving as a gathering point for more than 200 organizations since its inception in 2017. They’ve been key in orchestrating leftist protests nationwide.

On Friday, the group indicated they are striving to raise $2 million from individual contributors by December 2026. This is part of a larger $5 million fundraising effort that began in September.

While the organization has kept the building’s specific address under wraps, real estate records reveal that it purchased the three-story structure at 137 W. 14th Street in Chelsea in December 2024. Insiders confirmed to Fox News Digital that this site will serve as the new headquarters. However, there are no details available on how the purchase was financed.

Congress is currently looking into what has been classified as a “foreign-aligned influence network” linked to Singham. Some congressional members are raising alarms over the potential foreign influence tied to the nonprofit’s funding.

A Fox News Digital investigation highlights that Singham has channeled an astounding $285 million into this vast nonprofit network since 2017. Agencies including the Justice, State, and Treasury Departments are looking into financial transactions connected to the network, which includes $22.5 million directed to the People’s Forum.

Since its establishment, the Singham Network has been involved in managing contentious protests across the country, collaborating with other organizations to amplify their messaging.

The People’s Forum, which claims to have published over 25 “revolutionary documents” and held more than 6,000 events, relies heavily on donations to fund its operations. Recently, they noted an urgent need for new financial support due to depleting initial donations.

The building appears to be currently vacant, and its storefront, once a curtain and shade shop, has been painted black with the signage removed. Windows are covered, and entryways seem neglected. The property, which measures approximately 2,580 square feet, has a history of maintenance issues, including elevator and boiler problems, and has accumulated around $20,000 in unpaid fines.

The organization acknowledges that the repair costs for the building will be substantial, estimating millions are required to address its deteriorated state. So far, they’ve raised about $570,000 for renovations.

Describing their latest efforts, the People’s Forum said the acquisition stems, in part, from a desire to establish a reliable foundation unthreatened by landlords or political pressures.

Previously, the building was sold for around $4.3 million in 2022, with the People’s Forum paying $850,000 more just two years later.

In their recent statements, the group emphasized the importance of this new facility, aiming to create a space for learning, organizing, and strategizing against injustices, as articulated by their leaders.

Despite several outreach attempts, the People’s Forum has not responded to inquiries for further comments.