Heritage Foundation

The Heritage Foundation is a public policy research organization based at 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE in Washington, DC. The IRS recognized its tax exemption in November 1973 under section 501(c)(3). For the 2022 tax year it reported total revenue of $106.3 million and total assets of$387.7 million.

Stated mission

Heritage describes its own mission as being “to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense,” organised around three stated activities: providing policy solutions, mobilizing conservatives, and training leaders. The organization states that it does not work “on behalf of any special interest or political party.”

Kevin Roberts was named president in October 2021, succeeding Kay C. James; Heritage describes him as the seventh president in its history.

Mandate for Leadership and Project 2025

Heritage publishes the Mandate for Leadership series, a set of policy and personnel recommendations prepared for incoming presidential administrations. The most recent edition was produced under the banner Project 2025, described on its own site as “a product of The Heritage Foundation” assembled with “more than 100 organizations” to prepare “policy, training, and personnel” for a new administration.

Relevance to digital political discourse

Heritage distributes its research through its website, social media accounts, and podcasts, including a program hosted by its president. Project 2025 is published as a standalone public website rather than as an internal transition memo, which is what made a presidential transition document directly citable in online political argument.