MacIver Institute
Basic facts
Location:	Madison, Wisconsin
Type:	501(c)(3)
Top official:	Annette Olson, Chief Executive Officer
Founder(s):	John K. MacIver
Year founded:	2008
Website:	Official website

TheMacIver Institute is a501(c)(3) nonprofit based inMadison, Wisconsin that, according to its website, "promotes free markets, individual freedom and responsible government."^[1] According to the institute's website the company was founded in 2008 under the belief that "if Wisconsin citizens are given accurate information in a thought-provoking and entertaining format, they will demand less spending, fiscal honesty and sensible regulation from their government."^[1]

Background

The MacIver Institute was founded in 2008 by John K. MacIver. According to the institute's website, MacIver "preached the notion that ideas are the most powerful force in politics." The institute's website said it "produce[s] timely research, thought-provoking analysis and compelling commentary that impacts public perception and, ultimately, the public policy debate in Wisconsin."^[1] As of September 2025, the policy areas that the MacIver Institute's work focuses on includes:^[2]

• Accountable government
• Ballot integrity
• Constitution
• Crime and safety
• Culture
• Economy
• Education
• Environment
• Healthcare
• State Budget
• Workforce

Leadership

As of September 2025, the following individuals held leadership positions at the MacIver Institute:^[3]

• Annette Olson,Chief Executive Officer
• William Osmulski,Content Director
• Michael Lucas,Policy Analyst, Economic

As of September 2025, the MacIver Institute's Board of Directors included the following individuals:^[3]

• Steven Fettig,Chair
• Laurie McCallum,Treasurer
• Kathryn "Murph" Burke,Board Member
• Luke Hilgemann,Board Member
• Jim Leef,Board Member

Work and activities

Legislative and policy work

In 2011, the MacIver Institute andAmericans for Prosperity spent more than $500,000 on television advertisements in Wisconsin in support of Gov.Scott Walker's (R) budget proposals in the state.^[4] According to theMilwaukee Journal Sentinel's Daniel Bice, the 60-second advertisement that aired "feature[d] several individuals praising the budget plan for balancing the state's books without massive layoffs or increased taxes."^[4]

Notable endorsements

See also:Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this organization made in elections within Ballotpedia'scoverage scope. Know of one we missed?Click here to let us know.

Affiliations

As of September 2025, the MacIver Institute is an affiliate of theState Policy Network.^[5] According to the State Policy Network's website it seeks to "catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks."^[6]

Finances

The following is a breakdown of the MacIver Institute's revenues and expenses from 2011 to 2023. The information comes fromProPublica

See also

• What is an influencer?
• State influencers
• Wisconsin

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• MacIver Institute official website
• MacIver Institute on Facebook
• MacIver Institute on X
• MacIver Institute on YouTube

Footnotes

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