Steyer’s group brings in $500,000 in July

The NextGen Climate super-PAC raised just over $8 million in July, but only $501,000 was from donors other than the group’s founder, Tom Steyer.

Steyer, a billionaire climate activist and former hedge fund manager, donated the remaining $7.5 million in July, bringing his total donations for the year to $11.6 million, Federal Election Commission records filed late Wednesday show. That’s a significant chunk of NextGen’s $18.3 million for the year.

{mosads}It’s well short of the goal Steyer set earlier in the year to raise $100 million for candidates who support environmental causes, with at least $50 million coming from his own pocket.

Chris Lehane, one of Steyer’s top advisers, said the billionaire never promised $50 million of the expected $100 million would definitely come from outside donors.

“He has been clear he would put in $50 million of his own money, and that is more of a floor than a ceiling,” Lehane said.

Lehane said he was confident that NextGen would have the money it needs to accomplish its mission.

“If the issue is whether there are significant resources for the 2014 campaign, we have the resources,” he said.

In July, a $500,000 donation came from Yvon Chouinard, founder of outdoor clothing company Patagonia Inc. and mountain climbing equipment-maker Black Diamond Equipment. The remaining $1,000 came from Patrick Little, a California-based attorney.

NextGen is involved in Senate races in Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Michigan, along with gubernatorial races in Florida, Pennsylvania and Maine.

—Laura Barron-Lopez contributed to this story.