Pioneer Institute, is an independent, non-partisan, privately funded think tank founded by Lovett C. Peters in 1988, a major contributor to conservative candidates and foundations such as the Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity.[1][2] James Stergios is Pioneer's Executive Director. The Massachusetts-based think tank describes itself as seeking to change the intellectual climate in Massachusetts by supporting scholarship that challenges the "conventional wisdom" on Massachusetts public policy issues. The Institute believes that individual freedom and responsibility, limited and accountable government, and the expanded application of free-market principles to public policy contribute to greater human dignity, happiness, and economic prosperity.
Pioneer became a leading champion of charter schools in the 1990s. In 2006, Pioneer established the Center for School Reform, which promotes choice, competition and school-based management in the public school system. Pioneer also focuses on streamlining state and local government by advocating a free-market philosophy in government service delivery and eliminating regulation. In 1991, Pioneer launched the Better Government Competition, a grass roots citizens’ ideas contest to improve the cost-effectiveness of state and local government. In 1997, Pioneer began The Shamie Center for Restructuring Government, named in honor of Ray Shamie, a long-time Pioneer board member. A third primary issue is economic opportunity. Pioneer's Center for Economic Opportunity works to strengthen the private and public sector business assistance available to low-income urban entrepreneurs and shape public policy that enables the start-up and growth of new businesses. The Center also works to influence statewide economic development policy to promote a competitive economic climate in Massachusetts. Other issues include environments and health care.