Think Tanks

American Constitution Society: This relatively new organization for lawyers was formed to counter the neo-conservative Federalist Society.
American Enterprise Institute: This think tank was founded in 1943 and in past functioned as a traditional think tank, but currently has titled toward the neo-con right. Currently its fellows includes Newt Gingrich, Paul Wolfowitz, John Yoo, John R. Bolton, and Lynne Cheney. Transparency lists the following as among the institute's donors: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.; John M. Olin Foundation, Inc. Castle Rock Foundation; Sarah Scaife Foundation; Smith Richardson Foundation; Earhart Foundation; Philip M. McKenna Foundation, Inc.; and The Carthage Foundation.
Brookings Institute: This think tank was founded in 1927. Media Transparency lists the following as donors: John M. Olin Foundation; Smith Richardson Foundation; The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
CATO Institute: This conservative institute was founded in 1977 by libertarian activists whose mission was to increase the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty and peace. Media Transparency lists its donors as: Castle Rock Foundation; Sarah Scaife Foundation; Earhart Foundation; David H. Koch Charitable Foundation; JM Foundation; John M. Olin Foundation, Inc.; The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.; the Claude R. Lambe Foundation; and The Carthage Foundation.
Center for American Progress: This research and educational institute is dedicated to a long term vision of a progressive America and seeks to respond effectively and rapidly to conservative proposals with thoughtful critique and clear alternatives.
Center for National Policy: This non-profit, non-partisan public policy organization brings together experts from other think tanks, business, labor, and academia to encourage new thinking, promote public awareness, and catalyze action. Board members have included members from both political parties.
Federalist Society: This is a neo=con organization for lawyers that promotes anti-civil liberties judiciary appointments. At least two Supreme Court judges are members. Media Transparency lists the following as among the donors to the Federalist Society: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.; John M. Olin Foundation, Inc., the Carthage Foundation; Castle Rock Foundation; Sarah Scaife Foundation; Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation; Philip M. McKenna Foundation, Inc.; Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation; JM Foundation; Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation, Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, the William H. Donner Foundation, the Jaquelin Hume Foundation, and the Earhart Foundation.
FreedomWorks: Formerly known as Citizens for a Sound Economy, this is another neo-con organization claiming to espouse "lower taxes, less government, and individual responsibility." The organization is chaired by former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey. Funders are: the Sarah Scaife Foundation; the John M. Olin Foundation, Inc.; the Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation; the Phillip M. McKenna Foundation, Inc.; the JM Foundation; the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation; the Earhart Foundation; the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation; the Scaife Family Foundation; the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.; and the Carthage Foundation.
Heritage Foundation: This neo-con foundation screens resumes for the Bush administration. Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas' wife works for the foundation. The foundation publishes policy papers on economic issues, foreign policy and challenges environmental regulations. It publishes Policy Review. Research methodology even according to a former "fellow" is questionable at best, but it does have an active agent who books its "fellows" on broadcast media shows as experts. Media Transparency lists the following as among the donors to the Heritage Foundation: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.; John M. Olin Foundation, Inc. Castle Rock Foundation; Sarah Scaife Foundation; Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation; Scaife Family Foundation; Philip M. McKenna Foundation, Inc.; Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation; and The Carthage Foundation.
Independent's Women Forum: Media Transparency says this organization is "neither independent nor a forum... it merely serves up women who mouth the conservative movement party line" and "is as near a pure conservative movement organization as can be found." Members include Lynne Cheney, Barbara Ledeen, Elaine L. Chao, Diana Furchgott-Roth and Christina Hoff Sommers. Media Transparency lists as the forum's donors: Castle Rock Foundation; Sarah Scaife Foundation; JM Foundation; Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation; John M. Olin Foundation; the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.; the Jaquelin Hume Foundation; the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation; the Earhart Foundation; the Roe Foundation; the William H. Donner Foundation; and the Carthage Foundation.
Hoover Institution: This research institute was established by Herbert Hoover at Stanford University. Funders are: John M. Olin Foundation; the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.; the Jaquelin Hume Foundation; the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation; the Earhart Foundation; the Sarah Scaife Foundation; the Smith Richardson Foundation; the William H. Donner Foundation, and the Carthage Foundation.
Institute for Policy Studies: Founded in 1963, it is the nations oldest multi-issue progressive think tank.
Manhattan Institute: This is another right "think tank" which advocates "individual responsibility" and "less government." Funders for this group are the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundations, Inc.; JM Foundation, the Randolf Foundation, the Sarah Scaife Foundation, the Carthage Foundation, the Earhart Foundation, the Smith Richardson Foundation, the Roe Foundation, the John M. Olin Foundation, the Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation, the Castle Rock Foundation , the Jaquelin Hume Foundation, and the William H. Donner Foundation.
Media Transparency: Use this page to find information about tracing the money connections behind the think tanks.
Political Science Resources: Think Tanks: This is the University of Michigan's list of think tanks.
Reason Foundation: This is a libertarian organization espousing individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law. Funders for this organization are the Roe Foundation, The Sarah Scaife Foundation, The Scaife Family Foundation, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundations, Inc., the John M. Olin Foundation, Inc., the Claude R. Lambe Charitable Foundation, and the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation.