Mission

Powerful forces -- from technological change to demographic shifts, from economic globalization to the rise of new global powers -- are remaking America. Now, more than ever, our nation needs a robust public debate that does justice to the complex challenges and opportunities of this era. Instead, there is too often a dearth of new thinking on both sides of the political divide, and a lack of investment in developing the creative young minds most capable of crafting new public policy solutions.

The purpose of New America Foundation is to bring exceptionally promising new voices and new ideas to the fore of our nation’s public discourse. Relying on a venture capital approach, the Foundation invests in outstanding individuals and policy ideas that transcend the conventional political spectrum. Through its fellowships and issue-specific programs, the Foundation sponsors a wide range of research, writing, conferences and public outreach on the most important global and domestic issues of our time.

The New America Foundation is a nonprofit public policy institute that was established through the collaborative work of a diverse group of public intellectuals, civic leaders and business executives. Launched in 1999, the Foundation is guided by President and CEO Steve Coll, and an outstanding Board of Directors. New America is headquartered in our nation’s capital and also has a significant presence in California, the nation’s largest laboratory of democracy.