The RAND Corp. conducts research on issues that relate to a broad range of public policy matters. The nonprofit corporation has been operating since 1948, when it was primarily concerned with security and defense technology; it has since broadened its areas of research to include health, education, environmental and social policy. RAND is funded primarily by federal, state and local governments, but also undertakes projects on behalf of foundations, universities, charitable organizations and private companies. The bulk of its funding comes from contracts with the U.S. government and military.
RAND has full research reports available for download on its website, along with research briefs and technical papers. The corporation is respected for its research integrity, and its publications are considered serious and authoritative across party and issue lines.
Comments: In addition to research papers and briefs, RAND’s website includes an archive of commentary pieces by RAND researchers. It is important to draw a distinction between the organization’s research, which is nonpartisan, and these pieces, which represent the opinions of individuals.
Political Leanings: None