Developing policies that are firmly grounded in facts and research is critical to building a vibrant civic life. Strong communities also require an understanding of our country’s history and immigration trends, participation in arts and culture, and concern for those who need a helping hand. These endeavors—all part of Pew’s mission—shape our national character, bring us together as a people, and help assure that our communities thrive.

The Pew Charitable Trusts’ conservation efforts—both in the U.S. and abroad—help to preserve wild places and rivers, restore biodiversity, and increase the understanding of ocean ecology. On land, we focus on conserving wildlife corridors, shorelines, and pristine landscapes, as well as advancing policies that prioritize investments in flood-ready infrastructure and national park maintenance. Pew also works to minimize the consequences of overfishing, pollution, warming waters, and loss of habitat. Our conservation goals are based on facts from science and data research.

To succeed financially and prepare for the future, families need a “cushion” for financial emergencies and for retirement. Pew seeks to understand and improve the economic health of families across the income spectrum and across generations, assess the impact of policies that seek to improve how much families save, and advance reforms to help consumers get the information and protections they need to safely manage their day-to-day finances.

The American people need to know that federal, state, and local leaders spend taxpayer dollars efficiently and wisely. Pew studies the fiscal health of states and localities, analyzing their budget discipline, the effectiveness of their programs, and whether they are achieving a strong return on investment.

Through research, technical assistance, and advocacy, Pew works to improve the public’s health and well-being. We focus on making it easier for people with opioid use disorder to receive treatment, improving suicide risk assessment and care, preserving and innovating antibiotics, protecting people from unsafe health products, and increasing the use of data in public health to prevent illnesses and improve Americans’ well-being equitably.

Tracking these important changes—using data-based research—helps policy analysts, government officials, and the public identify and prepare for future challenges. Pew’s research into critical trends is rigorous, nonpartisan, and timely—using analytical tools such as public opinion polling, online surveys and empirical research.