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Organizations
Conservative think tanks, legal foundations, advocacy groups and campus organizations: what each does, where it stands and what its IRS filings show.
Accuracy in Media Washington group founded in 1969 that criticizes the news media. Acton Institute Grand Rapids institute founded in 1990 that studies the relationship between religious faith, economic liberty and a free society. Alabama Policy Institute Alabama think tank founded in 1989 that studies state policy. Alliance Defending Freedom Christian legal organization founded in 1994 that litigates religious liberty, free speech, and the sanctity of life. America First Legal Legal group founded in 2021 by former Trump aide Stephen Miller that litigates and files complaints against what it sees as government overreach. America First Policy Institute Think tank founded in 2021 by former Trump administration officials to develop policy for an America First agenda. American Action Forum Washington center-right think tank founded in 2010 that conducts economic and policy analysis. American Center for Law and Justice Law and advocacy organization founded in 1990 that defends religious and constitutional freedoms. American Compass Think tank founded in 2020 that argues for a conservative economics centered on workers, families and industrial policy. American Conservative Union (CPAC) The American Conservative Union, founded in 1964, which organizes the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC. American Energy Alliance Washington advocacy group that supports energy production and opposes energy mandates and subsidies. American Enterprise Institute Washington think tank founded in 1938 that studies economics, foreign and defense policy, politics, health care, education and society. American Family Association Mississippi Christian organization founded in 1977 that campaigns on media, family and religion. American Legislative Exchange Council Membership group of state legislators and private-sector members that drafts model state legislation, founded in 1973. American Principles Project Virginia advocacy group founded in 2009 that promotes traditional family and cultural policy. Americans for Prosperity Grassroots political advocacy network founded in 2004 that promotes economic freedom, with chapters in many states. Americans for Tax Reform Washington group founded in 1985 that campaigns against tax increases and runs the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Americans United for Life Pro-life legal and policy organization founded in 1971 that drafts model laws. Ashbrook Center Ohio center at Ashland University that teaches American history and civics. Atlas Network Arlington, Virginia network that supports free-market think tanks around the world. Badger Institute Wisconsin think tank that studies state policy. Beacon Center of Tennessee Tennessee think tank founded in 2005 that studies state policy. Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Nonprofit law firm founded in 1994 that defends the free exercise of religion for people of all faiths. Bluegrass Institute Kentucky think tank that studies state policy. California Policy Center California think tank that studies public pensions and unions. Capital Research Center Arlington, Virginia think tank founded in 1984 that studies nonprofits, philanthropy and the funding of political advocacy. Care Net Virginia network of pregnancy centers. Cascade Policy Institute Oregon think tank founded in 1991 that studies state policy. Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights New York group founded in 1973 that defends Catholics from what it sees as defamation. Cato Institute Washington libertarian think tank that publishes research on limited government, individual liberty, free markets and peace. Cause of Action Institute Government accountability group founded in 2011 that litigates and requests records on agency actions. Center for American Liberty Legal group founded in 2021 by attorney Harmeet Dhillon that litigates civil liberties and free speech cases. Center for Immigration Studies Washington think tank founded in 1985 that advocates lower and more selective immigration to the United States. Center for Individual Rights Washington public-interest law firm founded in 1989 that litigates civil rights, campus speech and race preferences. Center for Security Policy Washington national security group founded in 1988 that advocates peace through strength. Center of the American Experiment Minnesota think tank founded in 1990 that studies state policy. Charles Koch Foundation Private foundation that funds university research and programs on free societies, based in Virginia. Citizens Against Government Waste Washington group founded in 1984 that publishes the Pig Book on congressional earmarks. Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Gun rights lobbying group founded in 1971 that is closely tied to the Second Amendment Foundation. Claremont Institute California think tank founded in 1979 that applies the principles of the American founding to modern political questions. Club for Growth Washington group founded in 1999 that backs fiscally conservative candidates and scores lawmakers on economic votes. Commonwealth Foundation Pennsylvania think tank founded in 1988 that promotes free-market policy. Competitive Enterprise Institute Washington think tank founded in 1984 that advocates free markets and limited government, especially against federal regulation. Concerned Women for America Christian women's public-policy group founded in 1979. Conservative Partnership Institute Washington organization formed in 2021 to train and support conservative staff, candidates and allied groups. Consumers' Research Consumer organization founded in 1929 that now campaigns against corporate political activism. Council for National Policy Membership organization of conservative donors and leaders founded in 1981 that meets privately. David Horowitz Freedom Center California nonprofit founded in 1988 that runs conservative commentary, campus and media projects. Defending Education Parents and education group formerly named Parents Defending Education that opposes what it calls indoctrination. Discovery Institute Seattle think tank founded in 1990, known for its Center for Science and Culture and advocacy of intelligent design. Eagle Forum Group founded in 1972 by Phyllis Schlafly that opposes feminism-era policy and promotes traditional values. Edmund Burke Foundation Washington nonprofit that convenes National Conservatism conferences. Empire Center for Public Policy Albany think tank founded in 2005 that focuses on state and local fiscal policy. Ethics and Public Policy Center Washington think tank founded in 1976 that applies the Judeo-Christian moral tradition to public policy. Faith & Freedom Coalition Georgia-based organization founded in 2009 that mobilizes people of faith for elections. Family Policy Alliance Colorado group that coordinates state family policy councils. Family Research Council Washington group founded in 1983 that advocates for marriage, family and life from a Christian view. Federation for American Immigration Reform Washington group founded in 1979 that advocates reduced immigration and stricter enforcement. Firearms Policy Coalition Gun rights group founded in 2014 that files lawsuits challenging firearms regulations. First Liberty Institute Texas law firm founded in 1997 that defends religious liberty for people of faith. Focus on the Family Colorado Christian ministry founded in 1977 that produces family media and counseling. Foundation for Defense of Democracies Washington think tank founded in 2001 that studies foreign policy, national security, sanctions and terrorism finance. Foundation for Economic Education Nonprofit founded in 1946 that teaches the principles of free markets and individual liberty through articles, seminars and youth programs. Foundation for Government Accountability Florida-based think tank founded in 2011 that develops state welfare, Medicaid and work-requirement policy. FreedomWorks Washington grassroots group formed in 2004 that trains activists and promotes limited-government policy. Georgia Public Policy Foundation Georgia think tank that studies state policy. Goldwater Institute Phoenix public policy and litigation group named for Senator Barry Goldwater. Government Accountability Institute Florida research group founded in 2012 that investigates government and corporate corruption. Grassroot Institute of Hawaii Hawaii think tank that studies state policy. Gun Owners of America Gun rights lobbying group founded in 1975 that opposes compromise on firearms regulation. Heartbeat International Ohio network of pregnancy help centers. Heritage Action for America Advocacy and lobbying affiliate of the Heritage Foundation, founded in 2010, that scores votes in Congress. Hillsdale College Michigan private liberal arts college founded in 1844 that accepts no federal funding. Hoover Institution Public policy research center and archive at Stanford University, founded in 1919, focused on economics, security and political thought. Hudson Institute Washington think tank founded in 1961 that works on national security, economics, technology, health and the global order. Idaho Freedom Foundation Idaho think tank that studies state policy. Illinois Policy Institute Chicago think tank founded in 2002 that studies Illinois budgets, pensions and taxes. Independence Institute Colorado think tank founded in 1985 that studies state policy and constitutional issues. Independent Institute Oakland, California think tank founded in 1986 that publishes scholarly books and studies on markets, law and history. Independent Women's Forum Women-led policy organization formed in 1992 that promotes limited government and free markets. Institute for Energy Research Washington nonprofit that conducts research on energy and environmental policy from a free-market view. Institute for Family Studies Research institute founded in 2009 that studies marriage, family structure and child well-being. Institute for Free Speech Washington group founded in 2005 that litigates for political speech and campaign finance freedom. Institute for Justice Libertarian public-interest law firm founded in 1991 that litigates for property rights, economic liberty and school choice. Intercollegiate Studies Institute Delaware educational group founded in 1953 that promotes the study of Western tradition on campuses. James Madison Institute Florida think tank founded in 1987 that studies policy and advises legislators. John Locke Foundation North Carolina think tank founded in 1990 that promotes free-market policy. Judicial Watch Washington watchdog founded in 1994 that uses lawsuits and open-records requests to investigate government. Kansas Policy Institute Kansas think tank that studies state policy. Landmark Legal Foundation Public-interest law firm founded in 1976 that litigates for limited government and the rule of law. Leadership Institute Virginia training organization founded in 1979 that teaches conservatives to run for office and work in media. Liberty Counsel Florida nonprofit legal group founded in 1989 that advocates religious freedom and the sanctity of life. Liberty Justice Center Public-interest law firm that litigates for liberty, including the Janus v. AFSCME case. Life Legal Defense Foundation California legal group founded in 1989 that defends pro-life activists and the unborn. Live Action Pro-life media organization founded in 2003 that produces videos and undercover investigations. Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Milwaukee private foundation, endowed in 1985, that gives grants for limited government, civil society and education. Mackinac Center for Public Policy Michigan think tank founded in 1987 that studies state policy and labor and education reform. Manhattan Institute New York think tank founded in 1978 that works on urban policy, policing, economics, education and health care from a market-oriented view. March for Life Organizer of the annual March for Life in Washington, begun in 1974. Media Research Center Virginia group founded in 1987 that monitors media for liberal bias. Mercatus Center Research center at George Mason University, founded in 1980, that studies regulation and economic policy. Middle East Forum Philadelphia think tank founded in 1994 that studies Middle East policy and Islamism. Mississippi Center for Public Policy Mississippi think tank that studies state policy. Moms for Liberty Parents' group founded in 2021 that campaigns on school boards and curriculum issues. Mountain States Legal Foundation Colorado public-interest law firm founded in 1977 that litigates for property rights and limited government. National Association for Gun Rights Gun rights group that lobbies against firearms regulation and takes an uncompromising stance. National Center for Public Policy Research Washington think tank founded in 1982 that works on free-market policy and shareholder activism. National Review Institute New York nonprofit associated with National Review that supports conservative ideas. National Rifle Association Gun rights organization founded in 1871 with millions of members, known for lobbying, firearms training and legal advocacy. National Right to Life Committee The largest federation of state right-to-life organizations, founded in 1968. National Right to Work Committee Virginia group founded in 1955 that lobbies for right-to-work laws. National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation Virginia legal group founded in 1968 that provides free legal aid to workers who object to compulsory unionism. National Shooting Sports Foundation Connecticut trade association of the firearms and ammunition industry, founded in 1961. National Taxpayers Union Taxpayer advocacy organization founded in 1969 that lobbies for lower taxes and spending. Nevada Policy Nevada think tank that studies state policy and transparency. New Civil Liberties Alliance Nonprofit civil liberties group founded in 2017 that challenges the administrative state in court. NumbersUSA Virginia grassroots organization founded in 1996 that lobbies for lower immigration levels. Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs Oklahoma think tank that studies state policy. Pacific Justice Institute California Christian legal group founded in 1997 that defends religious freedom and parental rights. Pacific Legal Foundation Sacramento public-interest law firm founded in 1973 that litigates for property rights and limited government. Pacific Research Institute California think tank founded in 1979 that studies regulation, health care, education and the economy. Paragon Health Institute Think tank founded in 2021 that proposes market-oriented changes to American health care policy. Pelican Institute for Public Policy Louisiana think tank that studies state policy. Philanthropy Roundtable Washington association of donors founded in 1987 that promotes private philanthropy and donor freedom. Pioneer Institute Boston think tank founded in 1988 that studies education, transportation and economic policy. PragerU California nonprofit that produces short educational videos from a conservative view. Priests for Life Catholic pro-life organization founded in 1991. Project Veritas Group founded in 2010 by James O'Keefe that produced undercover video investigations. Public Interest Legal Foundation Election-law group founded in 2012 that litigates voter-roll maintenance and election integrity. R Street Institute Washington think tank founded in 2012 that advocates free-market solutions and pragmatic policy. Reason Foundation Libertarian think tank founded in 1968 that advances free minds and free markets, publisher of Reason magazine. Rio Grande Foundation New Mexico think tank that studies state policy. Ruth Institute Louisiana group founded in 2009 that promotes marriage and criticizes the sexual revolution. Sarah Scaife Foundation Pittsburgh private foundation that has given grants to many conservative and libertarian policy groups. Second Amendment Foundation Washington State group founded in 1974 that litigates for gun rights and educates the public. Show-Me Institute Missouri think tank founded in 2005 that studies state policy. South Carolina Policy Council South Carolina think tank that studies state policy and government. Southeastern Legal Foundation Georgia public-interest law firm founded in 1976 that litigates for limited government and property rights. State Policy Network Network of state-based think tanks founded in 1992. Students for Life of America Pro-life student group that organizes campus chapters. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Pro-life political organization founded in 1992 that supports candidates who oppose abortion. Sutherland Institute Utah think tank that studies family and state policy. Tea Party Patriots Georgia-based grassroots group formed in 2009 during the Tea Party movement. Texas Public Policy Foundation Austin think tank founded in 1989 that works on free-market policy in Texas and nationally. The Buckeye Institute Ohio think tank founded in 1989 that promotes free-market policy. The FAMiLY LEADER Iowa Christian conservative group founded in 2004 that hosts a presidential candidate forum. The Federalist Society Membership organization of conservative and libertarian lawyers, founded in 1982, that hosts debates on the law. The Fund for American Studies Washington nonprofit founded in 1967 that provides summer institutes and internships for students. The Heartland Institute Illinois-based think tank founded in 1984 that promotes free-market solutions and is known for challenging mainstream climate policy. The Heritage Foundation Washington think tank founded in 1973 that advocates limited government, free enterprise, traditional values and a strong national defense. Thomas More Law Center Michigan legal organization founded in 1999 that defends religious freedom and conservative values. Thomas More Society Chicago-based Catholic public-interest law firm founded in 2001 that defends life, family and religious liberty. Turning Point USA Youth organization founded in 2012 that organizes conservative chapters on high school and college campuses. Washington Legal Foundation Washington public-interest firm founded in 1977 that litigates for free enterprise and business. Washington Policy Center Washington State think tank that studies free-market solutions. Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty Wisconsin public-interest law firm founded in 2011 that litigates for limited government in state and federal courts. Yankee Institute Connecticut think tank that studies state policy. Young America's Foundation Conservative youth organization founded in 1969 that brings speakers to campuses and runs the Reagan Ranch. Young Americans for Liberty Libertarian-leaning student group founded in 2008 that grew out of Ron Paul's campaign.