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MacIver Institute
| MacIver Institute | |
 | |
| Basic facts | |
| Location: | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Type: | 501(c)(3) |
| Top official: | Annette Olson, Chief Executive Officer |
| Founder(s): | John K. MacIver |
| Year founded: | 2008 |
| Website: | Official website |
The MacIver Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Madison, Wisconsin that, according to its website, "promotes free markets, individual freedom and responsible government."[1] According to the institute's website the company was founded in 2008 under the belief that "if Wisconsin citizens are given accurate information in a thought-provoking and entertaining format, they will demand less spending, fiscal honesty and sensible regulation from their government."[1]
Background
The MacIver Institute was founded in 2008 by John K. MacIver. According to the institute's website, MacIver "preached the notion that ideas are the most powerful force in politics." The institute's website said it "produce[s] timely research, thought-provoking analysis and compelling commentary that impacts public perception and, ultimately, the public policy debate in Wisconsin."[1] As of September 2025, the policy areas that the MacIver Institute's work focuses on includes:[2]
- Accountable government
- Ballot integrity
- Constitution
- Crime and safety
- Culture
- Economy
- Education
- Environment
- Healthcare
- State Budget
- Workforce
Leadership
As of September 2025, the following individuals held leadership positions at the MacIver Institute:[3]
- Annette Olson, Chief Executive Officer
- William Osmulski, Content Director
- Michael Lucas, Policy Analyst, Economic
As of September 2025, the MacIver Institute's Board of Directors included the following individuals:[3]
- Steven Fettig, Chair
- Laurie McCallum, Treasurer
- Kathryn "Murph" Burke, Board Member
- Luke Hilgemann, Board Member
- Jim Leef, Board Member
Work and activities
Legislative and policy work
In 2011, the MacIver Institute and Americans for Prosperity spent more than $500,000 on television advertisements in Wisconsin in support of Gov. Scott Walker's (R) budget proposals in the state.[4] According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Daniel Bice, the 60-second advertisement that aired "feature[d] several individuals praising the budget plan for balancing the state's books without massive layoffs or increased taxes."[4]
Notable endorsements
This section displays endorsements this organization made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope. Know of one we missed? Click here to let us know.
Affiliations
As of September 2025, the MacIver Institute is an affiliate of the State Policy Network.[5] According to the State Policy Network's website it seeks to "catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks."[6]
Finances
The following is a breakdown of the MacIver Institute's revenues and expenses from 2011 to 2023. The information comes from ProPublica
| Year | Revenue | Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $354,175 | $572,131 |
| 2022 | $581,511 | $547,482 |
| 2021 | $497,700 | $432,081 |
| 2020 | $624,404 | $390,303 |
| 2019 | $521,204 | $530,211 |
| 2018 | $489,212 | $564,268 |
| 2017 | $337,711 | $495,572 |
| 2016 | $466,434 | $459,618 |
| 2015 | $474,506 | $455,948 |
| 2014 | $398,830 | $480,359 |
| 2013 | $509,474 | $528,194 |
| 2012 | $632,359 | $504,410 |
| 2011 | $404,334 | $496,830 |
See also
External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- MacIver Institute official website
- MacIver Institute on Facebook
- MacIver Institute on X
- MacIver Institute on YouTube
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 MacIver Institute, "Mission Statement," accessed September 7, 2025
- ↑ MacIver Institute, "Policy Issues," accessed September 7, 2025
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 MacIver Institute, "Influencers," accessed September 7, 2025
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "New pro-Walker ad begins airing around state," November 18, 2011
- ↑ State Policy Center, "2024 State Policy Network Annual Report," accessed September 5, 2025
- ↑ State Policy Network, "About," accessed September 4, 2025
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