Reason Foundation advances a free society by developing, applying, and promoting libertarian principles, including individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law. We use journalism and public policy research to influence the frameworks and actions of policymakers, journalists, and opinion leaders.

We promote the libertarian ideas of:

  • Voluntarism and individual responsibility in social and economic interactions, relying on choice and competition to achieve the best outcomes;
  • The rule of law, private property, and limited government;
  • Seeking truth via rational discourse, free inquiry, and the scientific method.

Reason Foundation produces respected public policy research on a variety of issues and publishes the critically-acclaimed Reason magazine. Together, our top-tier think tank and political and cultural magazine reach a diverse, influential audience, advancing the values of choice, individual freedom and limited government.

Reason Foundation’s nonpartisan public policy research promotes choice, competition, and a dynamic market economy as the foundation for human dignity and progress. Reason produces rigorous, peer-reviewed research and directly engages the policy process, seeking strategies that emphasize cooperation, flexibility, local knowledge, transparency, accountability, and results. Through practical and innovative approaches to complex problems, Reason seeks to change the way people think about issues, and promote policies that allow and encourage individuals and voluntary institutions to flourish.

Reason magazine is the monthly print magazine of “free minds and free markets.” Founded in 1968, the magazine covers politics, culture, and ideas through a provocative mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews. Reason and Reason.com provide a refreshing alternative to right-wing and left-wing outlets by making a principled case for liberty and individual choice in all areas of human activity.

ReasonTV produces a variety of investigative documentaries, interviews, and viral videos that deliver libertarian ideas and journalism to audiences.  ReasonTV was launched in collaboration with Drew Carey, who created ReasonTV’s The Drew Carey Project to share compelling stories about freedom, and free minds and free markets with broader audiences in all corners of the Internet.

Reason Foundation was founded in 1978 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization completely supported by voluntary contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and the sale of our publications.

“Of all the nation’s conservative or free-market policy groups, it may be the most libertarian among them, the Reason Foundation in Southern California, that ends up having the most direct impact on the actual functioning of government.”
– The Wall Street Journal

“Thank goodness for Reason… one sane voice fighting tons of nonsense.”
– John Stossel, ABC‘s 20/20

“Reason Foundation’s tolerance, civility, and consistency in defending individual liberty make it a haven for believers in a free society of all shades of opinion.”
– Milton Friedman, Nobel Prize-winning Economist

“Stimulating stuff from first-rate minds that understand that you can’t create prosperity without freedom!”
– Steve Forbes, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine

For more information about Reason, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.