Resources for the Future

Our Mission

RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement.

Our Vision

RFF is committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy.

Our Core Values

RFF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization that operates according to four core values:

• Balance: RFF focuses on improving both environmental and economic outcomes.
• Independence: RFF is nonpartisan and its research is nonproprietary and publicly available.
• Rigor: RFF adheres to the highest scientific and professional standards.
• Results: RFF’s work leads to better decisions.

Leadership and Governance

RFF's Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and President's Council consist of experts, professionals, and leaders in the field of environmental economics and policy. Learn more about Leadership and Governance at RFF.

Support

As a 501(c)(3) organization, RFF is supported by donors who understand the role that rigorous, objective research plays in formulating sound public policies. More than 70 percent of the funding raised from individuals, corporations, private foundations, and government agencies goes directly to RFF’s research and public education activities.​​​​​

Donate to RFF now, or find out about different ways of giving.

Financial Reporting

RFF is committed to transparency and accountability in its financial reporting and is dedicated to providing the maximum research value for our donors. Read our financial reporting page to view revenue and expense information, annual reports, 990 forms, audited financial statements, and more.

History

In 1952, a presidential commission mandated the creation of a research institution to examine the nation’s use of natural resources and implications for the future of the US economy and national security. RFF was founded as a result—the first think tank devoted exclusively to natural resource and environmental issues. The organization’s notable contributions include pioneering and developing the fields of environmental and resource economics, creating analytical techniques widely used in economic and policy analysis, producing landmark surveys of America’s energy and resource future, and crafting policy innovations that are now embodied in environmental, energy, and natural resource regulatory regimes around the world.