About Us

The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis provides credible, independent and accessible information and analyses of state fiscal issues with particular attention to the impacts on low- and moderate-income persons.

Our products inform state fiscal and budget policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and Virginia as a whole.

Our Beginnings

In December 2004, a group of Virginia-based advocacy organizations and partners recognized the critical need for independent and effective statewide analysis and convened to outline the parameters of a successful policy organization.

Led by the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, these partners included:

Virginia Coalition for the Homeless
Virginia Community Action Partnership
Virginia Organizing Project
Virginia Poverty Law
Voices for Virginia’s Children
Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Justice & Peace

The partners agreed on the scope of a successful statewide organization. It would need to:

• analyze Virginia’s annual budget, both for an expression of overall priorities and for specifics relating to programs for low-income individuals;
• analyze historical trends in budget priorities and revenues and the impact of the trends on low-income populations;
• monitor levels of revenues and expenditures throughout the year;
• urge greater transparency on fiscal issues;
• analyze which groups benefit from actual or proposed tax and budget policies;
• prepare simple, accessible materials to educate the public about fiscal issues and, in conjunction with advocates, conduct community-level public education on fiscal issues than can foster greater participation in fiscal decision-making;

Borne out of those discussions, The Commonwealth Institute was designed to accomplish the goals articulated by these partners and was officially launched in December 2006.

We are an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. We develop realistic reforms that state policymakers can put to work with a particular emphasis issues of importance to low- and moderate-income residents.

Our Mission

To use research and analysis to advance the well-being of Virginia communities, improve the economic security and social opportunities of all Virginians, and support the essential role of government in promoting a just and prosperous society.

Our Values

Independence: The Commonwealth Institute provides fact-based, nonpartisan analyses of state fiscal and tax policies and their implications for all Virginians, especially low- and middle-income residents.

Fairness and Equity: The Commonwealth Institute’s work is grounded in the fundamental belief that government should work to improve the lives of the people it serves. We maintain a deep commitment to ensuring that public policies and programs effectively respond to the needs and interests of lower-income individuals, families and communities throughout Virginia.

Integrity: The Commonwealth Institute conducts its work with the highest level of intellectual honesty, accuracy and objectivity in order to effectively inform state fiscal, tax and other public policies.

Empowerment: The Commonwealth Institute provides accessible, useable and timely information on state fiscal, tax and related public policies in order to expand civic engagement in policy debates.

Effective Leadership and Generous Support

The Commonwealth Institute received its initial funding through the generous support of the Center on Budget Policy Priorities, Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Moriah Fund and community leaders and organizations.

Our Board of Advisors members, who come from across the state, are a diverse group of respected professionals and experts, who reflect the wide range of issues we study.

The Commonwealth Institute represents Virginia in the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative, a consortium of organizations formed and incubated by the national Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Work With Us

Please join us. Whether it’s simply to stay informed about state fiscal matters or to bring information and ideas to our attention, your participation is welcome. Our organization is fully funded through the charitable contributions of individuals, foundations and organizations. To support our work, send a tax-deductible contribution through the mail or donate online.