Overview
Roosevelt Institute is a nonprofit policy research organisation and progressive think tank established in 1987 through the merger of the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Foundation. It is headquartered in New York City and draws inspiration from the legacies of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt to influence contemporary public policy. The organisation works to advance ideas that promote economic inclusion, political participation and social equity.
Mission and focus areas
Roosevelt Institute’s mission is to champion new ideas and leaders that make the economy and democracy work for the many, not the few. It conducts research and policy analysis on issues including corporate power, labour and wages, macroeconomic reform, racial and gender inequality, tax policy, and democratic governance. The institute aims to reshape rules governing markets and government to address structural inequities and support inclusive economic systems. While Roosevelt Institute is not primarily a sustainable finance organisation, its work intersects sustainability goals through research on equitable economic systems and policy frameworks that support worker power and public accountability of corporations.
Structure and governance
Roosevelt Institute operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a board of directors, with leadership including a president and chief executive officer responsible for strategy and operations. It functions through distinct units including its policy think tank and the Roosevelt Network. The Roosevelt Network is a programme focused on developing emerging leaders, particularly students and early-career professionals engaged in progressive public policy. The institute also partners with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Programs and offerings
The organisation produces independent research reports, policy briefs, blog commentary and events aimed at policymakers, scholars and the public. Its think tank team tackles economic, social and governance challenges with evidence-based analysis. Roosevelt Network offers fellowships, leadership development and opportunities for students and young professionals to engage in policy research and civic engagement. These resources are intended to build capacity among future leaders and inform public discourse on economic and democratic reform.
