Intellectual freedom is an essential cornerstone of a free society. Open inquiry, pursued with humility and courage, drives discovery and human progress. These same principles guide IHS’s work with its partners. Support advances rigorous inquiry, not influence over its conclusions. 

IHS regularly partners with funders who share our interest in answering questions relevant to a free society. IHS does not accept gifts conditioned on a particular research outcome or on influence over our decisions. The research and writing we support represent the conclusions of their authors alone, and our network includes scholars who disagree with each other. 

Intellectual freedom requires commitments to both our scholarly partners and our supporters: 

Scholars retain full authority over their work. They control research design, methodology, analysis, and conclusions. Neither IHS nor funders approve research before publication.

Support is awarded on the merits. Applications are reviewed on the strength of the work. Funders receive post-program reports and agreed-upon updates but have no role in review, funding decisions, program invitations, or network membership. 

Transparency. When a specific RFP or program is underwritten by a particular funder, IHS names that funder on the program page. Scholars disclose financial conflicts of interest when applying for research support. 

Program-specific terms. Individual RFPs and grant programs may add requirements and disclosures, posted on each program’s page.

IHS is a vision-driven 501(c)(3) supported by more than a thousand individual donors and foundations. We do not endorse political candidates or parties. We do not engage in lobbying activities. Our annual report is published each year and our Form 990 is publicly available.