The John Locke Foundation was created in 1990 as an independent, nonprofit think tank dedicated to defending and advancing freedom and working for truth, for freedom, for the future of North Carolina. The foundation is named for John Locke (1632-1704), an English philosopher whose writings inspired Thomas Jefferson and the other Founders.

With John Locke’s vision as our guide, and the North Carolina Constitution as our foundation, we joyfully plant the flag for freedom and nurture its growth in North Carolina. Over three decades we have educated policymakers and informed the public debate with reason and research. Our spirited defense of economic and personal freedom has established the John Locke Foundation, a 501©3 nonprofit organization, as North Carolina’s premier free-market public policy think tank, one of the most influential in the nation.

Our award-winning journalism division publishes Carolina Journal, a monthly newspaper with statewide distribution, as well as a daily news site: carolinajournal.com.