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Thomas Jefferson Institute
| Thomas Jefferson Institute | |
 | |
| Basic facts | |
| Location: | Round Hill, Virginia |
| Type: | 501(c)(3) |
| Top official: | Derrick Max, President |
| Founder(s): | Michael Thompson |
| Year founded: | 1997 |
| Website: | Official website |
The Thomas Jefferson Institute (TJI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization in Virginia. The institute's website says it "believe[s] in free markets, limited constitutional government, and personal responsibility.” The group is not related to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which was created to restore and operate Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.[1]
Background
Michael Thompson founded TJI and it released its first report in 1997. The group received bipartisan support from the following individuals at the time: Attorney General James Gilmore, Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, U.S. Sen. John Warner, and U.S. Rep. Tom Davis.[2]
As of July 2025, TJI's vision statement was:[3]
| “ | The vision of the Thomas Jefferson Institute is to ensure a Commonwealth of Virginia with a thriving economy where Virginians have the opportunity to succeed because economic and regulatory barriers are low, individuals and parents are empowered to make informed choices for themselves and their families, and the primary role of government is protecting citizens from each other and the overreach of government itself.[4] | ” |
Leadership
As of July 2025, the following individuals served on the TJI board of directors:[5]
- Derrick Max, President
- Christian Braunlich, Senior Advisor and Former President
- William Howell, Chairman
- Robert Hartwell, Treasurer
- Stephan Cassaday
- Richard Duvall
- Peter Lipsett
- Kristi Way
- John Ryan
- Randal Teague
- Michael Thompson
Work and activities
As of July 2025, TJI's website described its work as:[1]
| “ |
Unlike other organizations with a special interest, or that see government intervention as the only solution, the Thomas Jefferson Institute seeks to explore all alternatives, emphasizing private-sector and community-based solutions. With issues aimed at advancing prosperity and opportunity for all Virginians, we have in recent years emphasized lowering taxes so more Virginians can participate in the economy, providing for affordable and reliable energy for Virginians, and education reforms that empower parents to choose the educational placement best for their child and improves the standards of public education. Our quality research and analysis is conducted by examining issues through the filter of limited government, free enterprise, and personal responsibility. To advocate, we utilize research, journalism, and outreach programs to transform government and find a better balance between the public sector and private institutions of family, faith, community, and enterprise.[4] |
” |
Notable endorsements
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Finances
The following is a breakdown of the Thomas Jefferson Institute's revenues and expenses from 2011 to 2023. The information comes from ProPublica
| Year | Revenue | Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $259,018 | $277,803 |
| 2012 | $279,151 | $286,741 |
| 2013 | $315,473 | $272,805 |
| 2014 | $269,944 | $239,348 |
| 2015 | $240,331 | $267,750 |
| 2016 | $201,878 | $230,223 |
| 2017 | $241,113 | $246,278 |
| 2018[6] | — | — |
| 2019 | $453,979 | $213,311 |
| 2020 | $169,762 | $232,917 |
| 2021 | $231,786 | $245,121 |
| 2022 | $512,103 | $296,773 |
| 2023 | $210,084 | $434,353 |
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Thomas Jefferson Institute, "About," accessed July 24, 2025
- ↑ Thomas Jefferson Institute, "Jefferson Institute Review: Four Years of Building Influence and Success ," accessed July 24, 2025
- ↑ Thomas Jefferson Institute, "Vision and Mission," accessed July 24, 2025
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Thomas Jefferson Institute, "Board of Directors," accessed July 24, 2025
- ↑ Data was not available for this year.
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