Founded in 1996, the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth – known as MassINC – is an independent, nonpartisan research and educational institute. MassINC brings together diverse perspectives – including those held by conservatives and liberals, business and labor, advocates and policy makers – to focus on the challenge of achieving the American Dream in Massachusetts. To pursue our goals, we use independent research, a wide range of public events, and a unique approach to journalism. MassINC is a new kind of think tank – one that combines the intellectual rigor of academic research with the timeliness and energy needed to get our ideas into the public debate. Headquartered in Boston, MassINC is a tax-exempt, 501(c) 3 organization funded through grants and contributions from individuals and sponsors, which include foundations, businesses, and labor unions representing the full range of viewpoints in our community.