Celebrating 75 Years

Using Data to Make a Difference

Pew has addressed the challenges of a changing world for 75 years—by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress. And over that time, Pew has operated with an unflinching reliance on facts, using relevant data to provide a shared understanding of a common problem as well as to establish benchmarks for progress. As the organization embarks on the next chapter in its history of service, Pew will continue its core focus on strengthening democracy, helping communities thrive, and conserving the natural world.

"In its 75-year history, The Pew Charitable Trusts’ work has spanned American eras—from the wary hopefulness of the post-World War II years, through the rise of environmental awareness in the 1970s, to the digital revolution now transforming society. I have been privileged to help lead the organization for 25 of those years and remain impressed with the values and attributes that drive our ambition."

Susan K. Urahn, Pew’s president and CEO April 2023

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our anniversary and look ahead to our next 75 years, achieving measurable, meaningful change will continue to be at the heart of our mission. 

Why Democracy Matters
Democracy is central to American identity and institutions, but the share of Americans saying they trust the government “always or most of the time” has not surpassed 30% since 2007, per Pew Research Center. But a data-driven nonpartisan approach can help strengthen democracy and public trust in democratic institutions. Hear more on our “After the Fact” podcast, available wherever you stream your podcasts.

Current Focus

Pew’s work is always nonpartisan, based on facts, and guided by a commitment to use data to help individuals and communities thrive. We’re working to shape an America where the voices of the people are heard, government is more effective and equitable, families’ health and wealth are secure, and biodiversity and nature are protected—at home and abroad.

Reflections on the Past

Over our 75-year history, Pew has worked across American eras—from the post-World War II years, to the digital revolution now transforming society. The issues we work on have changed over time to address the ever-evolving problems of the day. And Pew has changed, too—growing from a grantmaker into an actively engaged public charity that directs its own projects and collaborates with partners on a wide variety of initiatives. Throughout, our values and our commitment to study the problems that hold people back—and to help solve them—have remained constant. 

Strengthening Democracy in America
A celebration of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ 75th anniversary

How We’re Celebrating

April 2023 marks The Pew Charitable Trusts’ 75th anniversary, and we will be celebrating all year long with events featuring an array of speakers who will bring a unique perspective and opportunity for conversations about Pew’s values. Another way we are honoring Pew’s 75th anniversary is with the bold goal of achieving 7,500 collective volunteer hours this calendar year. We invite you to celebrate with us by joining a webcast for one of our events or by giving back in some way in your own community.

Event Rebroadcast: Reflections on America – Then and Now
Only 19% of Americans are satisfied with the current state of the nation and 58% say that life for people like them is worse today than it was 50 years ago, according to an April survey from Pew Research Center. During an event on “Strengthening Democracy in America,” part of Pew’s 75th anniversary celebration, filmmaker Ken Burns, Pew Research Center president Michael Dimock, and Syracuse University professor Beverly Kirk discussed those findings before a live and online audience. The panel highlighted the challenges Americans have faced throughout history, how public opinion and civic engagement influence the perception of our democracy, and how lessons learned from the past can help inform the present and future.

Strengthening Democracy in America

Fourteenth Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden (right) discusses the importance of libraries in an informed democracy today with Susan K. Urahn (left), president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts, at Pew’s 75th Anniversary Celebration Event in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2023. Hayden was appointed in 2016 by President Barack Obama and is both the first woman and African American to lead the national library.
Lexey Swalls for The Pew Charitable Trusts
Event Rebroadcast: In Conversation With Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
In celebration of Pew’s 75th anniversary, we hosted a special live event titled “Strengthening Democracy in America,” featuring a conversation between Pew’s president and CEO, Sue Urahn, and Carla Hayden, the current librarian of Congress. They discussed how libraries serve as a “bastion of equal opportunity,” providing access to unbiased information, and why an informed citizenry is essential to a strong democracy.

Strengthening Democracy in America

More than 1,000 people attended The Pew Charitable Trusts’ 75th Anniversary Celebration Event in person in Washington, D.C., or online through virtual webcast on April 24, 2023. The session featured a conversation with 14th Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and Susan K. Urahn, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts, on the importance of libraries in an informed democracy today, as well as a panel discussion with president of Pew Research Center Michael Dimock, filmmaker Ken Burns, and professor of practice and director of Washington programs at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Beverly Kirk, reflecting on America’s history and its future.
Lexey Swalls for The Pew Charitable Trusts

Strengthening Democracy in America

At The Pew Charitable Trusts’ 75th Anniversary Celebration Event, held in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2023, filmmaker Ken Burns (far right) discusses the “fourth crisis” happening today and what we can learn from other periods in history when Americans have faced dire and consequential challenges. His insights from more than four decades of filmmaking about important moments in American history provided context in a panel discussion with president of Pew Research Center Michael Dimock, who shared new findings on how Americans are feeling about the future, and professor of practice and director of Washington programs at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Beverly Kirk (far left), who explored opportunities for rebuilding trust.
Lexey Swalls for The Pew Charitable Trusts

Strengthening Democracy in America

At The Pew Charitable Trusts’ 75th Anniversary Celebration Event, held in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2023, president of Pew Research Center Michael Dimock shares new findings on how people are feeling about the nation’s future in a panel discussion featuring filmmaker Ken Burns (far right) and professor of practice and director of Washington programs at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Beverly Kirk (far left).
Lexey Swalls for The Pew Charitable Trusts

75th Anniversary Staff Speaker Series Kicks-Off With Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, speaks to The Pew Charitable Trusts’ staff members on Feb. 9 about Pew’s value of nonpartisanship and a pragmatic approach to policymaking.
Melissa Lyttle for The Pew Charitable Trusts

75th Anniversary Staff Speaker Series Kicks-Off With Valerie Jarrett

In the foreground, from left: Pew leaders Heather Hulen (senior director and executive office chief of staff), Ralph Leslie (executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer), and Makeba Clay (vice president, diversity, equity, and inclusion), listen to Valerie Jarrett speak. 
Melissa Lyttle for The Pew Charitable Trusts

75th Anniversary Staff Speaker Series Kicks-Off With Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, in conversation with Pew CEO Susan K. Urahn at Pew’s inaugural staff speaker series event on Feb. 9.   
Melissa Lyttle for The Pew Charitable Trusts