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Founded in 1948, Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.

The Rundown

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States Consider Effects of Rising Federal Tariffs

When the federal government imposes tariffs on imports, the effects often ripple far beyond cargo ships and customs offices. Tariffs have the potential to significantly influence state budgets by increasing uncertainty in economic forecasts, raising the costs of public projects, and disrupting revenue streams.

An image of five U.S. maps with states shaded in various shades of blue, red, green, purple, and yellow.
How Religious Is Your State?

Pew Research Center

On a paneled wood wall, a white sign with red letters reads “Court In Session.”
Courts Can Improve Access for People With Disabilities

According to a recent national poll by The Pew Charitable Trusts, respondents with disabilities are far more likely to have engaged with the court system (49%) than those without disabilities (29%). Despite legal requirements to provide reasonable accommodations for court users with disabilities, and calls from court leadership to enhance access for all, the accessibility needs of people with disabilities often go unmet.

How to Heat-Proof Coral Reefs

The ocean’s coral reefs support an estimated 25% of all known marine life yet are threatened by rising ocean temperatures and bleaching. In this “After the Fact” episode from our recurring “From Lab to Life” series, we look at ways scientists are pioneering efforts to save corals.

An image from a microscope shows a close-up of orb-shaped purple and blue human goblet cells lining the large intestine.
A Small Worm Offers Big Clues About the Human Immune System

Human immune systems are intricate disease-fighting networks that begin forming in utero—in the womb before birth—to keep us healthy. Research shows that a mother’s environment and exposures during pregnancy can significantly affect how an infant’s immune system develops.

Our Work

Pew's work spans 7 key topics...

Professional psychologist doctor listening and giving the consult to female patients

Good health is important to everyone. Pew conducts research and provides information and fact-based recommendations to state agencies, hospitals, researchers, and other health partners to help them provide better care. We find and share evidence-based practices to improve Americans’ health and well-being, including services that can prevent suicide, improve mental health care, and treat substance use disorder.

Bustleton Free Library in Philadelphia, PA, on Thursday September 12 2024.

Communities throughout the country share common needs: affordable connections to broadband Internet, modern and reliable energy infrastructure, effective responses to mental health challenges, and ways to resolve legal disputes more quickly and fairly. To address these issues, Pew collaborates with states and local governments to find and promote evidence-based solutions that help provide stability and opportunity.

Economic opportunity is the foundation of American society. Pew supports national, state, and local efforts to expand opportunity and promote financial well-being. Our work helps people pay off student loans, navigate court proceedings such as debt collection, buy or rent a home, access affordable internet, and save for their retirement.

High angle helicopter shot of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. at twilight on a clear evening in Fall, with Pennsylvania Avenue beyond.

Nonpartisan, fact-based improvements in federal policy can create jobs, lower costs, and help the nation prepare for the future. When our research shows that small changes can have a big impact, we work across party lines to improve national challenges like housing affordability, internet access, energy reliability, and health care.

The House Chamber at the Kentucky State Capitol is shown as the legislature tries to wrap up its session

States and cities are the “laboratories of democracy” in America—the places where lawmakers and governors look for new ways to help their communities succeed. Whether in Pew’s hometown of Philadelphia or any of the 50 state capitals, we help elected leaders respond to the needs of their citizens, use public dollars wisely, fix outdated policies, and build a better future for all.

A view of steep cliff, grand canyon and Colorado river from Toroweap overlook.

Conserving natural spaces conveys benefits far beyond the gains to wildlife and their habitats. As scores of studies show, protecting and restoring lands and waters, particularly when done in close partnership with local communities, also improves people’s lives—and local economies—by increasing tourism and outdoor recreation.

How We Work

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