Research Guides: SWRK 4319: Social Welfare Policy Analysis: NGOs & Think Tanks

Think Tanks and Nongovernmental Organizations

Think tanks are organizations devoted to research about the the effects of current and proposed government policies. Their scope can be wide, studying a broad range of areas on which governments form policy. This page lists a number of high-profile think tanks that study a variety of social policy issues.

Think Tanks can also focus their research on a particular area of public policy. This guide also also lists think tanks and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on specific policy issues. A NGO is a non-profit organization devoted to providing assistance and improving lives through work on a specific social, political or economic problem. This often comes in the form of concrete action and programs for assisting individuals and groups, but NGOs knowledge of the problems they seek to remedy can give them special insight into policy solutions.

Click below for links to NGOs and Think Tanks studying and providing solutions to issues on the following topics:

Gale Directory Library This link opens in a new window
Encyclopedia of Associations (U.S. and International)

Policy Analysis Think Tanks: Left Leaning

Brookings Institution
Center for American Progress
"The Center for American Progress is an independent nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Our aim is not just to change the conversation, but to change the country."
Center for Law and Social Policy
"The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) is a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty organization advancing policy solutions that work for low-income people."
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
"We are a nonpartisan research and policy institute. We pursue federal and state policies designed both to reduce poverty and inequality and to restore fiscal responsibility in equitable and effective ways. We apply our deep expertise in budget and tax issues and in programs and policies that help low-income people, in order to help inform debates and achieve better policy outcomes."
Economic Policy Institute
"The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank created in 1986 to include the needs of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions."
Every Texan
Based in Austin, Texas, Every Texan is an organization pursuing social justice through public policy. Their dedicated team researches, analyzes, and advocates for public policies to expand equitable access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs. Formerly known as The Center for Public Policy Priorities.
Urban Institute
"The nonprofit Urban Institute is one of the country’s leading research institutions, known for broad economic and social policy expertise and five decades of scholarship."

Policy Analysis Think Tanks: Right Leaning

American Enterprise Institute
"The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture."
Cato Institute - Social Security
"TThe Cato Institute is a public policy research organization — a think tank — dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues."
Heritage Foundation
"The mission of The Heritage Foundation is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense."
Texas Public Policy Foundation
The mission of the Texas Public Policy Foundation is "to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation by educating and affecting policymakers and the Texas public policy debate with academically sound research and outreach."

SWRK 4319: Social Welfare Policy Analysis

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Policy Analysis Think Tanks: Left Leaning

Policy Analysis Think Tanks: Right Leaning