The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) is a nonprofit educational think tank founded in 1946, making it the oldest free-market think tank in the United States215. FEE promotes libertarian and free-market economic principles, advocating for policies that limit government intervention and advance individual liberty421.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, FEE is designated a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so donations are tax-deductible314. The organization was originally based in New York but moved to Atlanta after almost seven decades214.
History & Influence:
- FEE was established by Leonard Read, with early contributors including Henry Hazlitt, David Goodrich, and others connected with business and academia21.
- FEE’s critique of government programs included opposition to the New Deal, Social Security, and the Marshall Plan2.
- It played a formative role in the postwar libertarian movement, influencing figures like Friedrich Hayek and being linked to the founding inspiration for the Mont Pelerin Society21.
- Notable libertarian economists with ties to FEE include Ludwig von Mises, Milton Friedman, and Murray Rothbard2.
- FEE was originally funded by industrialists and corporations, and in recent years has received funding from organizations and foundations associated with Charles Koch, DonorsTrust, and Donors Capital Fund14.
Programs & Publications:
- FEE is known for its educational seminars, particularly aimed at high school and college students, and for producing popular digital content256.
- It published the influential magazine The Freeman (1954–2016) and is the original publisher of the well-known essay “I, Pencil”2.
- The organization offers a range of books, articles, and online resources focusing on economics, liberty, and the ethical basis of free markets256.
- FEE honors alumni who have demonstrated dedication to liberty, including figures like Charles Koch, Ron Paul, and Edwin Feulner2.
Leadership:
- As of 2024, Diogo Costa is FEE’s president2. Previous leaders include Lawrence W. Reed (now President Emeritus), Zilvinas Silenas, and several notable economists2.
- The staff includes writers, managing editors, and fellows who focus on education policy and liberty-based initiatives2.
Financials:
- In its 2021 fiscal year, FEE reported nearly $8 million in revenue, with a primary focus on contributions and educational programming4.
Mission:
- FEE’s mission centers on introducing freedom as a guiding life philosophy to young audiences, aiming to create a world built on the principles of a free society in economic, ethical, and legal domains65.
FEE is considered an influential and foundational organization within the libertarian and free-market advocacy landscape in the U.S.21.
- https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Foundation_for_Economic_Education
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_for_Economic_Education
- https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/136006960
- https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/foundation-for-economic-education/
- https://fee.org
- https://www.youtube.com/@FEEonline
- https://fte.org