Directory of Policy Institutes Resources

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Policy institutes study a wide range public policy issues and topics; publish position papers; conduct conferences on public policy topics; etc. Their web sites are often good sources of information and opinion on public issues. Some policy institutes are nonpartisan, particularly if they are associated with universities, but most have a particular point of view. Institutes in this category cover the full range of the political spectrum.

Subcategories

• American Enterprise Institute
• Brookings Institution
• Cato Institute
• Council on Foreign Relations
• Heartland Institute
• Heritage Foundation
• Hoover Institution
• RAND Corporation

Resources in This Category

• Acton Institute

  http://www.acton.org/
  Promotes a free society informed by religious faith and moral absolutes.

• Adam Ferguson Institute

  http://www.logan.com/afi/
  An Ohio based policy institute supporting the voluntary, therefore peaceful, development of a free, beneficent, and prosperous civil society.

• Alabama Policy Institute

  http://www.alabamapolicy.org/
  A conservative think tank addressing a wide range of emerging policy issues in the areas of economics, education, the environment, government, family and society.

• Allegheny Institute

  http://www.alleghenyinstitute.org/
  Pennsylvania-based conservative think tank devoted to local government issues. Recent papers on key issues, information about events and publications, and related links.

• America's Future Foundation

  http://www.americasfuture.org/
  America's Future Foundation exists to train the next generation of conservative leaders and winning the hearts and minds of young Americans.

• American Foreign Policy Council

  http://afpc.org/
  A policy organization dedicated to bringing information to those who make or influence the foreign policy of the United States and to assisting world leaders, particularly in the former USSR and Asia, with building democracies and market economies.

• American Policy Center

  http://www.americanpolicy.org/
  Conservative policy group that believes the free market and private ownership of property is the best method for improving education, employment, goods and services, and protecting the environment.

• American Policy Roundtable

  http://aproundtable.org/
  An education and research organization dedicated to restoring traditional, Judeo-Christian principles to American public policy.

• Anderson Economic Group

  http://www.andersoneconomicgroup.com/
  Provides public policy analysis for private, public and government sectors.

• Applied Information Resources

  http://www.airinc.org/
  A public policy research and community information organization dedicated to citizen education on public issues.

• Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs

  http://www.ashbrook.org/
  An academic forum for the study, research and discussion of the principles and practices of American constitutional government and politics at Ashland University. Archive of publications and RealAudio speeches.

• Atlas Network

  http://atlasnetwork.org/
  Connecting a global network of more than 400 free-market organizations in over 80 countries to the ideas and resources needed to advance the cause of liberty.

• Beacon Hill Institute

  http://www.beaconhill.org/
  BHI is a free-market think tank based in Suffolk University Boston, MA. It studies the public policy areas of state tax policy, privatization, welfare reform, compassion tax credits, regulatory reform and other areas from a market perspective.

• Belcher Foundation

  http://www.belcherfoundation.org/
  A think tank focusing on public policy, church and state, education, law, and history.

• Bradley Foundation

  http://www.bradleyfdn.org/
  Private foundation established by Lynde and Harry Bradley to support individualism, self-government, and free-market causes. Describes publications, staff and directors, grantee showcase, application process, and the Lion House.

• Buckeye Institute

  http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/
  Seeking to improve the lives of all Ohioans by promoting free market ideas and limited government.

• Calvert Institute for Policy Research

  http://www.calvertinstitute.org/
  An educational institution dedicated to the research and propagation of solutions to Maryland state and local public-policy concerns based upon the principles of free markets and personal responsibility.

• Carey Center for Democratic Capitalism

  http://www.democratic-capitalism.com/
  Works to educate students, citizens, and leaders in the fundamentals upon which the American republic was constructed - democracy and capitalism.

• Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

  http://www.carnegiecouncil.org/
  A policy organization dedicated to research and education at the nexus of ethics and international affairs. Provides speech transcripts, articles, reviews and other materials on a variety of subjects.

• Carter Center

  http://www.cartercenter.org/
  A policy organization founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to fight disease, hunger, poverty, conflict, and oppression around the world.

• Cascade Policy Institute

  http://www.cascadepolicy.org/
  Oregon based free market think tank.

• Center for American Progress

  http://www.americanprogress.org/
  Liberal think tank offers policy proposals, talking points, events, news and columns. Weekly email newsletter Progress Report.

• Center for Economic and Policy Research

  http://www.cepr.net/
  A research center that seeks to promote democratic debate on important economic and social issues.

• Center for Law and Social Policy

  http://www.clasp.org/
  CLASP is a policy organization with expertise in both law and policy affecting the poor. It seeks to improve the economic security of low-income families with children and secure access for low-income persons.

• Center for National Policy

  http://www.cnponline.org/
  CNP undertakes research and analysis to frame options and to formulate policy recommendations, focusing activities in economic analysis, equal opportunity, community studies and foreign policy.

• Center for Politics at the University of Virginia

  http://www.centerforpolitics.org/
  Promotes the value of politics and seeks to improve civic education and increase civic participation through research, analysis, and educational programs. Features news, programs, publications and employment opportunities.

• Center for Public Leadership

  http://cpl.hks.harvard.edu/
  Center a John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University that seeks to improve the practice of leadership and citizenship, through research, education and outreach. The Center aims to strengthen the positive effect of those engaged in improving the quality of public life.

• Center for Public Policy Priorities

  http://forabettertexas.org/
  A research organization committed to improving public policies and private practices that influence the economic and social prospects and conditions of individuals, families, and communities.

• Center for Retirement Research

  http://crr.bc.edu/
  Organization dedicated to the research and dissemination of retirement policy issues as well as to widening access to related data sources.

• Center for Security Policy

  http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/
  A policy organization promoting international peace through American strength.

• Center For Strategic & International Studies

  http://www.csis.org/
  A public policy research institution dedicated to analysis and policy impact. It maintains resident experts on all the world's major geographical regions and covers key functional areas, such as international finance, U.S. domestic and economic policy, and U.S. foreign policy and national security issues.

• Center for the Advancement of Capitalism

  http://www.capitalismcenter.org/
  Public policy institute dedicated to advancing individual rights and economic freedom throughout America. The Center's philosophical defense of business and profit-making, and opportunities for activism.

• Center for the Study of Democratic Societies

  http://www.centersds.com/
  CSDS is a research and educational institution dedicated to the examination and explanation of the properties and possibilities of democratic societies and democratic-socialist economic systems.

• Center of the American Experiment

  http://www.americanexperiment.org/
  A conservative think tank in Minnesota, focusing in improving education, strengthening free market economy and reducing poverty and crime.

• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

  http://www.cbpp.org/
  A public policy advocacy organization specializing in federal budget issues from a low-income perspective.

• Central Massachusetts Liberty Coalition

  http://www.cmlc.org/
  Central Massachusetts based pro-liberty political education organization.

• Century Foundation

  http://www.tcf.org/
  A research foundation that undertakes timely and critical analyses of major economic, political, and social institutions and issues

• Citizens Research Council of Michigan

  http://www.crcmich.org/
  A public affairs research organization established in 1916 to provide analysis of state and local government organization and finance in Michigan.

• Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute

  http://www.cblpi.org/
  Established to prepare young women for effective conservative leadership and to promote school choice opportunities for all K-12 children in America. Information about speakers, anti-feminist resources, and current issues available.

• Claremont Institute

  http://www.claremont.org/
  Projects, recent writings, event and publication information, and news releases from the Californian think tank.

• CNA Corporation

  http://www.cna.org/
  A non-profit institution that conducts independent research and analysis to inform the work of public sector decision makers. Profile and research areas.

• Committee for Economic Development

  http://www.ced.org/
  CED is an organization of business and education leaders dedicated to public policy research.

• Commonwealth Foundation

  http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/
  A free-market public policy organization based in Pennsylvania which promotes the principles of limited government, economic freedom, and individual responsibility.

• Competitive Enterprise Institute

  http://www.cei.org/
  Publications on the institute's research in free-enterprise, as well as internships.

• Council for Emerging National Security Affairs

  http://www.censa.net/
  Seeks to become the premier venue for virtual collaboration in addressing emerging national security affairs and policy renewal.

• Council on Hemispheric Affairs

  http://www.coha.org/
  Encourages the formulation of rational and constructive U.S. policies towards Latin America.

• David Horowitz Freedom Center

  http://www.horowitzfreedomcenter.org/
  Los Angeles-based center founded by David Horowitz, formerly the Center for the Study of Popular Culture.

• Demos

  http://www.demos.org/
  A public policy organization working to improve democracy and to foster greater economic opportunity and less disparity.

• Discovery Institute

  http://www.discovery.org/
  The institute discovers and promotes ideas in the common sense tradition of representative government, the free market and individual liberty.

• Economic Policy Institute (EPI)

  http://www.epi.org/
  A nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to broaden the public debate about strategies to achieve a prosperous and fair economy.

• Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Institute of Public Affairs

  http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/
  A policy center offering programs on community development and family empowerment.

• Education Sector

  http://www.educationsector.org/
  Independent education policy think tank. Produces original research and policy analysis and promotes work by respected education analysts.

• Entertainment Industries Council, Inc.

  http://eiconline.org/
  EIC's mission is to lead the entertainment industry in bringing its power and influence to bear on health and social issues.

• Ethan Allen Institute

  http://www.ethanallen.org/
  Vermont's free-market-oriented public policy think tank.

• Ethics and Public Policy Center

  http://www.eppc.org/
  Seeks to clarify and reinforce the bond between the Judeo-Christian moral tradition and the public debate over domestic and foreign policy issues. Its program includes research, writing, publication, and conferences. Located in Washington, DC.

• Faith & Reason Institute

  http://www.frinstitute.org/
  The institute aims at bringing both faith and reason to bear on all the issues that confront people. It addresses questions of economics, politics, public policy, science, technology, the environment, and public culture, from perspective of both faith and reason.

• Foreign Policy Association

  http://www.fpa.org/
  Non-profit organization that seeks to educate the public about foreign policy. Sponsor of the Great Decisions program.

• Foundation for Economic Education (FEE)

  http://www.fee.org/
  Offers online education, a bookstore, and links to its seminars and publishes Ideas on Liberty, a magazine on free markets and individual liberty.

• Free Congress Foundation

  http://www.freecongress.org/
  A Washington, D.C. conservative research institute and policy education organization with policy centers on technology, law and democracy, cultural conservatism, and governance.

• Freedom Foundation

  http://myfreedomfoundation.com/
  A policy institute advancing individual liberty, free enterprise and responsible government in Washington State and nationwide.

• Frontiers of Freedom

  http://www.ff.org/
  Founded in 1995 by Malcolm Wallop, Frontiers seeks to lead the conservative movement against an ever more powerful and intrusive federal government, and to restore and maintain individual rights.

• Future of Freedom Foundation

  http://www.fff.org/
  A think tank advancing the libertarian philosophy.

• George C. Marshall Institute

  http://www.marshall.org/
  Information on science and public policy issues such as global warming and defense technology.

• Georgia Public Policy Foundation

  http://www.georgiapolicy.org/
  Research and education foundation dedicated to limited government, private enterprise, and individual responsibility. Press releases, publications, current research and initiatives, and related links available.

• Goldwater Institute'

  http://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/
  A conservative research and educational organization advocating public policy founded upon the principles of limited government, economic freedom, and individual responsibility.

• Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

  http://www.grassrootinstitute.org/
  A public policy think tank providing detailed study, analysis, investigation and reporting on the impact on the individual citizen by government and its procedures and departments in Hawaii.

• Harvard University Institute of Politics

  http://www.iop.harvard.edu/
  News, videos and information including programs, events and meetings, research and publications, political internships and how to get involved.

• Hispanic American Center for Economic Research

  http://www.hacer.org/
  Promotes the study about the countries of Hispanic America and Hispanic Americans living in the United States, as they relate to the values of personal and economic liberty.

• Hudson Institute

  http://www.hudson.org/
  U.S. domestic and foreign policy institute. Includes profiles of scholars, event information, published research and policy center information, and current headlines.

• Independence Institute

  http://www.i2i.org/
  Free-market think tank investigating private and community-based solutions to issues in Colorado and the United States. News, event information, policy center profiles, publications, and searchable archive of papers.

• Independent Institute

  http://www.independent.org/
  A scholarly research and educational organization which sponsors comprehensive studies on political economy.

• Institute for American Values

  http://www.americanvalues.org/
  A public policy organization devoted to contributing intellectually to the renewal of marriage and family life and the sources of competence, character, and citizenship.

• Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI)

  http://www.ipi.org/
  A public policy institute based in Lewisville, Texas. IPI's focus is on approaches to governing that harness the strengths of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets.

• Institute for Policy Studies

  http://www.ips-dc.org/
  Combats poverty, war, corporate globalization, and ecological destruction through research and activist education.

• Institute for Women's Policy Research

  http://www.iwpr.org/
  A public policy organization dedicated to researching policy issues of critical importance for women. IWPR's policy areas include poverty and welfare, family and work, health care and domestic violence, and employment.

• Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy

  http://www.istpp.org/
  Founded at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, to identify, scientifically evaluate, and implement through public policy, promising new technologies and programs that offer practical solutions to problems facing the United States.

• International Center for Peace & Development

  http://www.icpd.org/
  ICPD conducts research projects on a wide range of issues concerning global security, conversion of resources from military to civilian purposes, food security, employment, economic development, and the environment.

• International Research & Exchanges Board

  http://www.irex.org/
  A US-based public policy organization committed to international education in academic research, professional training and technical assistance.

• Iowa Public Interest Research Group

  http://www.iowapirg.org/
  Iowa PIRG is a public interest organization dedicated to preserving the environment, protecting consumers and holding government accountable to the public interest. Located in Des Moines, Iowa.

• James Madison Institute

  http://jamesmadison.org/
  A Florida-based public policy research organization dedicated to promoting economic freedom, limited government, federalism, traditional values, the rule of law, and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility.

• John Locke Foundation

  http://www.johnlocke.org/
  A North Carolina based think tank conducting research based on the principles of individual liberty, a free-market economy, and limited government.

• Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

  http://www.jointcenter.org/
  A national institution that conducts research on public policy issues of special concern to African Americans.

• Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy

  http://www.jbartlett.org/
  A think tank group focused on state and local public policy issues that affect the quality of life of New Hampshire's citizens.

• Levy Economics Institute of Bard College

  http://www.levyinstitute.org/
  Independent research organization examines economic policy issues and strives to transform ideological arguments into informed debate. Includes publications, scholars and programs.

• Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research

  http://www.lincolninstitute.org/
  A conservative Pennsylvanian think tank conducting polling, focusing groups, and educating lawmakers, policy makers, media, and the public on key issues and the views of Pennsylvania's citizens on those issues.

• Lucy Burns Institute

  http://www.lucyburns.org/
  501(c)3 organization publishing Ballotpedia. Based in Madison, Wisconsin and founded in 2006.

• Mackinac Center for Public Policy

  http://www.mackinac.org/
  A policy institute devoted to improving the quality of life for all Michigan citizens by promoting sound solutions to state and local policy questions. Provides reports, commentaries and educational programs.

• Maine Heritage Policy Center

  http://www.mainepolicy.org/
  A research and educational organization which formulates and promotes conservative public policies in the U.S. state of Maine. Includes text of op-eds and links to other New England policy institutes.

• Manhattan Institute

  http://www.manhattan-institute.org/
  The mission of the institute is to develop and disseminate new ideas that foster greater economic choice and individual responsibility.

• Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation

  http://www.mdrc.org/
  A social policy research organization dedicated to learning what works to improve the well-being of low-income people.

• Mathematica Policy Research

  http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/
  Public policy research organization based in New Jersey.

• McGregor Consulting Group

  http://www.consultmcgregor.com/
  Carries out research and education on a variety of issues including consumer, family and home economics, education, peace, citizenship and human rights.

• Mercatus Center

  http://www.mercatus.org/
  The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is an education, research and outreach organization. The aim of its work is to enable individuals to live free, prosperous, and peaceful lives.

• Minaret of Freedom Institute

  http://www.minaret.org/
  A Muslim libertarian think tank. Advocates free markets and civil liberties for the world of Islam.

• Morrison Institute for Public Policy

  http://morrisoninstitute.asu.edu/
  An Arizona State University's institute for policy analysis and expertise. The Institute researches public policy issues, informs policy makers and residents, and advises leaders on choices and actions.

• Nation Institute

  http://www.nationinstitute.org/
  A liberal-left public policy organization committed to a just society and the principles of the First Amendment.

• National Bureau of Economic Research

  http://www.nber.org/
  A research organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of how the economy works. The NBER is committed to undertaking and disseminating unbiased economic research among public policymakers, business professionals, and the academic community.

• National Center for Policy Analysis

  http://www.ncpa.org/
  Research organization that advocates free-market solutions to public policy problems, primarily on the issues of health care, Social Security, energy and the environment, taxes, and growth.

• National Center for Public Policy Research

  http://www.nationalcenter.org/
  A conservative think tank and policy institute covering Congress, insider political information, global warming and the environment, legal reform, Social Security, and campaign reform.

• National Democratic Institute for International Affairs

  http://www.ndi.org/
  A policy institute associated with the U.S. Democratic Party, working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide.

• National Institute for Labor Relations Research

  http://www.nilrr.org/
  The institute provides the supplementary analysis and research necessary to expose the inequities of compulsory unionism.

• National Institute for Public Policy

  http://www.nipp.org/
  Non-profit public education organization that focuses on a wide spectrum of rapidly evolving foreign policy and international issues.

• National Legal Foundation

  http://www.nlf.net/
  A Christian constitutional litigation firm and policy think tank committed to restoring America's Biblical foundations.

• National Priorities Project

  http://www.nationalpriorities.org/
  Offers citizen and community groups tools and resources to shape federal budget and policy priorities which promote social and economic justice. Includes databases, charts, opportunities for action and a newsletter.

• National Sociale Norms Resource Center

  http://www.socialnorm.org/
  Promotes and provides assistance in applying the social norms approach to various health, safety and social justice issues, including alcohol and tobacco risk-reduction.

• Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainable Development

  http://www.nautilus.org/
  A policy-oriented research and consulting organization. Promotes international cooperation for security and ecologically sustainable development. Programs embrace both global and regional issues, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

• Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government

  http://www.rockinst.org/
  The institute is the public policy research arm of the State University of New York. It is actively involved in public policy research on the role of state and local governments in American federalism and the management and finances of states and localities in major areas of domestic public affairs.

• Nevada Policy Research Institute

  http://www.npri.org/
  Conducts research on public policy issues affecting the state and the U.S. FAQs, papers on current research areas, and extensive link list.

• New America

  https://www.newamerica.org/
  Attempts to bring new voices and new ideas to the fore of America's public discourse and seeks to reshape the American public debate by investing in outstanding individuals and ideas that transcend the conventional political spectrum.

• New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP)

  http://www.njpp.org/
  A public policy organization that conducts research on public policy issues in New Jersey.

• Oregon Center for Public Policy

  http://www.ocpp.org/
  A Silverton, Oregon-based research institute advocating policies and practices that improve the economic and social prospects of low- and moderate income Oregonians.

• Pacific Council On International Policy

  http://www.pacificcouncil.org/
  A leadership forum bringing together "live wires" from around the Pacific Rim to exchange information and analysis on major international trends and policy choices. Based in Los Angeles, CA.

• Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy

  http://www.pacificresearch.org/
  San Francisco-based public policy organization advocating for personal responsibility and individual liberty in national and state issues. Site offers extensive archive of papers and presentations from PRI research centers, as well as event information, publications link, and voter education resources.

• Pioneer Institute

  http://www.pioneerinstitute.org/
  A Boston-based public policy research institute advocating individual freedom and responsibility, limited and accountable government, and expanded application of free-market principles.

• Political Research Associates

  http://www.publiceye.org/
  Monitors and analyzes the organizations, leaders, ideas, and activities of the US political Right.

• Progressive Policy Institute

  http://www.progressivepolicy.org/
  A public policy institute shaping the Third Way agenda with progressive legislative solutions.

• Public Interest Institute

  http://www.limitedgovernment.org/
  Located on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the institute promotes the importance of a free-enterprise economic system and limited government in society based upon individual freedom and liberty.

• Public Policy Forum

  http://www.publicpolicyforum.org/
  A Milwaukee, Wisconsin based public policy research organization examining issues that impact the community, state and nation.

• Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC)

  http://www.ppic.org/
  A public policy organization dedicated to research on California's economic, social, and political issues.

• Quixote Center

  http://www.quixote.org/
  A faith-based, social justice center working with people who have few resources for their struggles. Programs, photographs, news and how you can help.

• Reason Foundation

  http://www.reason.org/
  A public policy think tank promoting choice, competition, and a dynamic market economy as the foundation for human dignity and progress.

• Rio Grande Foundation

  http://www.riograndefoundation.org/
  A New Mexico based free market research and educational organization dedicated to the study of public policy.

• Sutherland Institute

  http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org/
  An Utah-based public policy research organization supporting limited government, private property rights, and personal responsibility.

• The Arab American Institute

  http://www.aaiusa.org/
  Promotes the concerns of the Arab American community in the U.S. society and abroad.

• The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

  http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/
  A public educational foundation dedicated to scholarly research and informed debate on U.S. interests in the Middle East.

• Thoreau Institute

  http://www.ti.org/
  Seeks ways to protect the environment without regulation, bureaucracy, or central control.

• Today Foundation

  http://www.todayfoundation.org/
  A Dallas-based public policy organization with interests in education, criminal justice and tax reform.

• Urban Institute

  http://www.urban.org/
  An institute investigating and analysing U.S. social and economic problems and issues, including the New Federalism, welfare and welfare-to-work, Medicare, and disabilities issues.

• Urban Renaissance Institute

  http://urbanrenaissance.probeinternational.org/
  Urban Renaissance Institute, a division of Energy Probe Research Foundation, is dedicated to helping cities flourish, both by removing the many impediments to their proper functioning and by improving urban planning.

• Virginia Institute for Public Policy

  http://www.virginiainstitute.org/
  A research organization committed to the principles of individual liberty, dynamic entrepreneurial capitalism, private property, the rule of law, and constitutionally limited government.

• Weidenbaum Center

  http://wc.wustl.edu/
  Research organization at Washington University in St. Louis supports scholarly research, public affairs programs, and other activities in the fields of economics, government, and public policy.

• Wildflowers Institute

  http://www.wildflowers.org/
  The mission of the institute is to design and develop frameworks, processes, and tools that help individuals and groups build productive interfaces between diverse cultures and to strengthen the cultural formation, quality of life, and social health within the community.

• Women & Politics Institute

  http://wandp.american.edu/
  Center for scholarly research on women and politics and political leadership training, part of the School of Public Affairs at American University.

• Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

  http://www.wilsoncenter.org/
  A presidential memorial that fosters scholarship and dialogue in the humanities and the social sciences. The Center pursues work on three interregional, interdisciplinary themes: ethnicity, comparative urban studies, and governance.

• Worldwatch Institute

  http://www.worldwatch.org/
  Analyzes interdisciplinary environmental data from around the world, providing information on how to build a sustainable society. Website has articles on a broad range on topics.

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