Robert Brookings aspired to create an institution that could provide unbiased information to guide policymakers through their toughest decisions. This goal was shared by other individuals who became financial supporters of the new organization, and philanthropic foundations soon made contributions as well.
From its original grant of $160,000, the Brookings’s budget has grown to more than $80 million. Early funding for the organization’s programs came from the Carnegie Corporation, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Ford Foundation, and supporters like these continue to partner with the Institution today.

Brookings carefully balances its funding to respond to current issues as well as undertake long-term research projects with far-reaching implications. As new challenges emerge, friends of the Institution generously contribute to make new research projects possible. The corporations, individuals and foundations that support Brookings’s work respect its independence to pose questions, search for answers, and present its findings in the way that the Institution’s administration and experts see fit.

Brookings is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and donations to Brookings are tax-deductible. Brookings is financed by contributions from foundations, individuals, and corporations, as well as by endowment income. Donations may be in the form of cash, securities, bequests or retirement assets. In addition, there are several “planned giving” arrangements, suitable primarily for large donations, which permit donors to achieve personal and family financial goals while providing current or future support of Brookings.

  • Brookings is grateful to the many individuals, foundations and corporations who support the institution annually. The simplest way to make a gift is to send a check to The Brookings Institution, c/o Development Office, 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036.


  • A gift of long-term appreciated marketable securities can provide you with tax advantages as well as providing Brookings with a charitable gift. A gift of stock is easily accomplished through an electronic transfer. Brookings staff can advise you or your broker of the specific information needed to facilitate such a gift.


  • You can name Brookings as a beneficiary of planned gifts such as bequests, retirement funds, and insurance policies and life income gifts such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable remainder annuity trusts. Some planned gifts allow donors to enjoy tax and income benefits during their lifetimes while making a significant commitment to Brookings.

For more information, please contact the Development Office.

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