A person wearing an orange safety vest and hat collects water samples in a clear tube while standing on snow-capped rocks in the middle of a stream.

U.S. CONSERVATION

Colorado Sets Strong Protections for 15 Rivers

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Using data to make a difference for 75 years

About Pew
Communities
Americans' quest for "a more perfect union" starts with safe, healthy communities.
Developing policies that are firmly grounded in facts and research is critical to building a vibrant civic life. Strong communities also require an understanding of our country’s history and immigration trends, participation in arts and culture, and concern for those who need a helping hand. These endeavors—all part of Pew’s mission—shape our national character, bring us together as a people, and help assure that our communities thrive.
Conservation
One of the great challenges of our time is saving the natural environment and the rich array of life it supports on land and in the sea.
The Pew Charitable Trusts’ conservation efforts—both in the U.S. and abroad—help to preserve wild places and rivers, restore biodiversity, and increase the understanding of ocean ecology. On land, we focus on conserving wildlife corridors, shorelines, and pristine landscapes, as well as advancing policies that prioritize investments in flood-ready infrastructure and national park maintenance. Pew also works to minimize the consequences of overfishing, pollution, warming waters, and loss of habitat. Our conservation goals are based on facts from science and data research.
Finance & Economy
The financial well-being of American families requires both short-term financial stability and longer-term economic mobility.
To succeed financially and prepare for the future, families need a “cushion” for financial emergencies and for retirement. Pew seeks to understand and improve the economic health of families across the income spectrum and across generations, assess the impact of policies that seek to improve how much families save, and advance reforms to help consumers get the information and protections they need to safely manage their day-to-day finances.
Governing
Democracy is well-served when informed and engaged citizens are able to exercise their most important civic duties—especially voting.
The American people need to know that federal, state, and local leaders spend taxpayer dollars efficiently and wisely. Pew studies the fiscal health of states and localities, analyzing their budget discipline, the effectiveness of their programs, and whether they are achieving a strong return on investment.
Health
From cutting-edge biomedical research to food safety, scientific advances offer great promise in treating and preventing disease.
Through research, technical assistance, and advocacy, Pew works to improve the public’s health and well-being. We focus on making it easier for people with opioid use disorder to receive treatment, improving suicide risk assessment and care, preserving and innovating antibiotics, protecting people from unsafe health products, and increasing the use of data in public health to prevent illnesses and improve Americans’ well-being equitably.
Trends
Our fast-changing world is being driven by advancing technology; shifting demographics and domestic and global public attitudes; and the rise of the millennial generation.
Tracking these important changes—using data-based research—helps policy analysts, government officials, and the public identify and prepare for future challenges. Pew’s research into critical trends is rigorous, nonpartisan, and timely—using analytical tools such as public opinion polling, online surveys and empirical research.
How We Work
Investment philosophy
Our goal is to make a difference for the public. That means working on a few key issues, with an emphasis on projects that can produce consequential outcomes, foster new ideas, attract partners, avoid partisanship or wishful thinking, and achieve measurable results that serve the public interest. 
Approach
From basic research to technical assistance and advocacy, the foundation of our work is careful planning; a consistent focus on facts, science and data; strong partnerships; and a commitment to innovation and measurable results.
Lessons Learned
Whether it is changing policy and practices, tracking trends, or improving life in our home town, we seek tangible results by pursuing specific, measurable goals. That means maintaining a commitment to a rigorous, analytical, and evidence-based approach.
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