State Policy Network’s mission is to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks. We believe nonprofit think tanks play a vital role in society by providing reliable research and education to help government officials develop compassionate policies that help rather than hinder people, and by engaging citizens to give them a voice in that policy-making process. Through our membership program, SPN connects and empowers a 50-state Network of leaders and organizations working to develop state and local policy solutions that serve the needs of everyday Americans, not the interests of DC politicians.
SPN’s Network is comprised of 64 affiliated state think tanks and over 100 partner organizations. While each individual member organization operates independently and varies in composition, all are dedicated to advancing market-oriented public policy solutions and pushing important policy decisions down to the states—where leaders understand the challenges their communities face and can advance innovative solutions that meet their unique needs.
SPN membership is voluntary and by invitation only, and SPN neither directs nor manages its members’ programs or activities. Our members pride themselves on their independence and relevancy to their respective states and their chosen areas of public policy research and education.
What is the Network?
State Policy Network is the compilation of 64 state think tanks plus over 66 state allied organizations in key capacities (like litigation, journalism, and advocacy) that work in all 50 states, and 100+ national partners all dedicated to the principles of liberty, free markets, and federalism. Together we form a powerful coalition with the ability to scale critical state and local solutions so they spread from state to state, leading to national impact.
We now offer two levels of organizational engagement with SPN, Affiliates and Partners.
We believe state nonprofits, acting as solution centers, play a vital role in society by providing reliable research, analysis, and education to help government officials develop compassionate policies that help rather than hinder people, and by engaging citizens to give them a voice in that policy-making process. To fill this role successfully, we are committed to modeling and fostering excellence in nonprofit best practices.
Affiliates in State Policy Network are state-based and locally focused 501(c)3 organizations. Affiliates meet the criteria outlined by and the approval of an internal SPN Membership Committee, subject to review by the SPN Board of Directors. Affiliate status is voluntary and by invitation-only.
SPN Affiliates pride themselves on their independence and relevancy to their respective states and areas of public policy research. SPN neither directs nor manages its Affiliates’ programs or activities.
SPN’s Network welcomes leaders with diverse viewpoints who are committed to truth and the ethical advancement of our shared values. We expect Affiliates to vigorously debate ideas in a manner that acknowledges the equal worth of every human being. We tear down bad logic and erroneous facts, not people.
The terms “member” and “affiliate,” do not denote any financial or legal interests or rights within SPN as a corporation. Affiliate status does not guarantee access to any programs, grants, or activities provided by State Policy Network.
Criteria for Affiliates
Organizations can become Affiliates by invitation only. If invited, prospective Affiliates complete an application and vetting process.
Affiliates have a shared vision of an America where all people can flourish because collaborative, entrepreneurial leaders have secured lasting social change, personal freedom, and economic opportunity at the state and local level.
Our Affiliate organizations include:
- Full-service state think tanks committed to state-based, market-oriented public policy ideas and solutions.
- A local or state focused non-profit organization that has a mission that supports our shared vision.
- Organizations must meet these minimum requirements for SPN Affiliates:
- Current 501(c)3 status and in good standing in terms of IRS, federal, and state compliance.
- An institutional commitment to full-time or near full-time operation.
- Most work relates to state-focused, free-market policy, or solving problems at the local and state level.
- Pass the IRS public support test with demonstrated funding stability and diversity which includes funding within the primary state of operation. SPN is likely to turn down applications for organizations receiving more than 10% of their budget from government sources or that work to expand the scope and size of government.
- Independent operations with an engaged board of directors.
At the discretion of SPN, Affiliate renewal invitations are extended in January of each year to organizations that continue to meet the criteria of Affiliate.
State Policy Network is a Network of Networks in the states. Our partners include national non-profit and other more issue-focused non-profit organizations that share our commitment to restoring the necessary balance of power between Washington, DC and the states, so that communities can advance and innovate policy solutions that better meet their unique local needs.
Partners demonstrate support for our mission to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks.
The term “partner” does not denote any financial or legal interests or rights within SPN as a corporation. Partner status does not guarantee access to any programs, grants, or activities provided by State Policy Network. While Partners are not eligible for the same full set of benefits as Affiliates, they may be invited to participate in select programs and services offered by State Policy Network. At the discretion of SPN, Partners can be invited to participate in peer networks, working groups, grant programs, and Annual Meeting.
Partner organizations include:
- Start-up state-based think tanks that do not yet meet the criteria as Affiliates
- S. territory think tanks
- National, state, or local non-profit organizations and think tanks that are meaningfully engaged in state and local issues and working in partnership with SPN and SPN Affiliates. These organizations can be engaged in single or multiple states.
Criteria for Partners
- Current 501(c)3, (c)4, and (c)6 status in good standing in terms of IRS, federal, and state compliance.
- Continuous operation for at least the past 18 months.
How Does My Organization Become an Affiliate or Partner of SPN?
- Complete the Affiliate or Partner Inquiry forms.
- SPN will contact you to discuss eligibility and next steps.
- If invited, you will complete an Affiliate or Partner application.
- SPN’s Membership Committee will review the application and make recommendations to SPN’s Leadership Team with Board of Directors input for decision.
- You will be notified of the decision and next steps.
