Who Funds the Heritage Foundation?
The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. The organization was founded in 1977 by Bob Michel, a former Navy vice admiral, and Robert Dold, a Maryland state senator. The Heritage Foundation is known for its conservative and libertarian views, and it has become a prominent voice in shaping conservative policies in the United States.
History of the Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation was established in 1977 with the goal of promoting conservative values and ideas in politics and public policy. The organization was initially funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on education, economic development, and international relations. In the 1980s, the Heritage Foundation began to receive significant funding from oil companies, particularly ExxonMobil and Chevron, which were then two of the largest oil companies in the world.
Key Funders
Here is a list of the key funders of the Heritage Foundation:
- Andrew Carnegie Foundation (1977-2008): $150 million (endowment)
- ExxonMobil (1980s-present): $200 million (annual grants)
- Chevron (1980s-present): $200 million (annual grants)
- Bollinger Group (1980s-present): $100 million (annual grants)
- Monroe Advisers (1990s-present): $50 million (annual grants)
- Rosen Family Foundation (2000s-present): $20 million (annual grants)
- Other organizations (1990s-present): $10 million (annual grants)
Philanthropic Priorities
The Heritage Foundation is committed to supporting its philanthropic priorities through its Centers for the Advancement of the Public Trust (CAPT) program. CAPT provides grants to non-profit organizations that advance the Heritage Foundation’s values and goals. Some of the key philanthropic priorities of CAPT include:
- Tax reform: CAPT provides grants to organizations that promote tax reform and advocate for lower taxes.
- Education: CAPT supports organizations that advocate for education reform and provide educational resources.
- Healthcare: CAPT provides grants to organizations that promote healthcare reform and advocate for lower healthcare costs.
Government Funding
In addition to private funding, the Heritage Foundation also receives government funding. The Heritage Foundation is an explicit recipient of government funding, which includes:
- Department of Defense (1980s-present): $10 million (annual grants)
- National Endowment for the Arts (2000s-present): $5 million (annual grants)
- National Science Foundation (2000s-present): $5 million (annual grants)
Critics and Controversies
The Heritage Foundation has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly for its funding priorities and lobbying efforts. Some of the key criticisms include:
- Limited access to government funding: The Heritage Foundation has been accused of limiting access to government funding for organizations that may not share its conservative values.
- Lobbying efforts: The Heritage Foundation has been accused of lobbying aggressively for its policies and interests, particularly in the area of tax reform.
- Criticism of public education: The Heritage Foundation has been criticized for its public education programs, which are seen as promoting a conservative agenda.
Conclusion
The Heritage Foundation is a prominent conservative think tank that has received significant funding from a variety of sources, including private donors, oil companies, and government agencies. While the organization has received government funding, its philanthropic priorities have been criticized for limiting access to funding for organizations that may not share its conservative values. Despite these criticisms, the Heritage Foundation remains a significant player in shaping conservative policies in the United States.
Financial Information
- Total funding (2020): $25 million
- Total grants (2020): $15 million
- Top funders (2020):
- Andrew Carnegie Foundation: $150 million
- ExxonMobil: $200 million
- Chevron: $200 million
- Bollinger Group: $100 million
- Monroe Advisers: $50 million
- Top donors (2020):
- Andrew Carnegie: $5 million
- ExxonMobil: $5 million
- Chevron: $5 million
- Bollinger Group: $2 million
- Monroe Advisers: $1 million