John Locke Foundation

Think tank

The John Locke Foundation (JLF) is a conservative think tank based in North Carolina. The organization was founded in 1990 to work "for truth, for freedom, and for the future of North Carolina." It is named after the philosopher John Locke, who was a primary contributor to classical liberalism. JLF was co-founded by Art Pope, a North Carolina businessman active in politics. Pope's family foundation provides most of the support for the center. The organization's stated mission is to "employ research, journalism, and outreach programs to transform government through competition, innovation, personal freedom, and personal responsibility. JLF seeks a better balance between the public sector and private institutions of family, faith, community, and enterprise." The organization is concerned primarily with state and local issues. JLF advocates lowering taxes, and encouraging free markets. Amy Oliver Cooke is its current president. The John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy was in its initial stages a project of the John Locke Foundation.