Cato Institute

Orientation: libertarian, which means it fits neither party neatly: it argues for lower taxes and lighter regulation alongside open immigration, ending the war on drugs and a restrained foreign policy. Funding: private contributions only, with no government money; in its 2024 to 2025 financial year individuals supplied about 78 per cent of operating revenue. Founded in 1977 with Charles Koch as a co-founder, Cato is the place to read the consistent small-government case on any issue. It co-publishes the annual Human Freedom Index with Canada's Fraser Institute, ranking countries on personal as well as economic liberty, and its immigration work regularly puts it at odds with many conservatives.