About Us - Home

What is the Milken Institute?

A nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, the Milken Institute believes in the power of capital markets to solve urgent social and economic challenges. We explore the intersection of finance, business, philanthropy and policy to determine how public and private investment can drive progress. We produce rigorous, data-driven research — and turn ideas into action by convening senior decision-makers who can make a difference in the marketplace and around the world.

What is the organization's mission?

Our mission is to improve lives around the world by advancing innovative economic and policy solutions that create jobs, widen access to capital and enhance health.

Where is the Milken Institute located?

We are headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif. We also have a large presence in Washington, D.C., where we opened an office in 2011 and where FasterCures, our Center for Advancing Medical Solutions, is located. Our Israel Center also has offices in Jerusalem.

When was the Institute founded?

The organization was founded in the early 1990s by philanthropist and financier Michael Milken and his brother, Lowell Milken, as the Milken Institute for Job and Capital Formation. Its original focus on the interaction between education and job growth has expanded to include a much broader research agenda over the years.

Who runs the Milken Institute?

The Milken Institute is headed by our president and CEO, Michael Klowden. Our chairman, Michael Milken, continues to guide the vision and overall goals of the Institute. (Visit www.mikemilken.com for his full biography and details on his initiatives beyond the Milken Institute, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation.) Senior staff members direct our research agenda.

What are the Milken Institute's political affiliations?

The Milken Institute is independent, nonpartisan and data-driven. Policymakers from both sides of the aisle recognize us as a valued source of thoughtful, unbiased analysis. We push for progress on areas of bipartisan agreement.

How is the Milken Institute funded?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Milken Institute relies on contributions, grants and sponsorships from individuals, corporations, foundations and government entities. Membership in the Milken Institute Associates offers the opportunity to champion our work and join our network of global leaders; members also attend private events and receive special access at our major conferences. Click here to read more about how to engage with us and support our work.

How many people work at the Milken Institute, and who are they?

We have some 60 people on our full-time staff. In addition, the Milken Institute has approximately two dozen distinguished fellows. Click here for a staff directory, and here to see a list of our experts organized by subject area.

Are there any job openings at the Milken Institute?

Click here for currently available positions and details on how to apply.

What are your principal areas of research?

We study the factors that drive sustainable economic growth and job creation, as well as the value of human capital and critical issues in health economics. We identify policies, financing strategies and market-based solutions that will address social and economic challenges.

Where can I find your research reports, slides and videos?

Visit our publications page to search by topic or browse through a library of our past work. PDFs of Milken Institute research reports are available for free download after you complete a simple login. Most publications are also available for purchase in hard copy.

Many of the individual publication pages on our website are enhanced with video interviews, slide decks or interactive data.

Some content (including presentation slides from our events) is reserved for conference attendees only.

Our events section contains a rich video archive of past forums and major conferences.

What events do you have, and are they open to the public?

We convene a wide variety of events year-round, from our flagship Global Conference to international summits and working retreats. Some events are invitation only while others have open registration. Videos from most of our events are posted on our website.

The public is welcome to attend our forums, which bring acclaimed authors, economists and thought leaders to Santa Monica.

Learn more about:

Click here for currently available positions and details on how to apply.

What is The Milken Institute Review and how do I subscribe?

The Milken Institute Review is our acclaimed quarterly journal, featuring timely articles from some of the world’s leading economists and journalists. It is available for free download after login, or you can order a print subscription here.

What is the Institute's relationship with the Milken Family Foundation?

They are separate entities. To learn more about the Milken Family Foundation's education and medical research initiatives, visit www.mff.org.