Talk:The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics
The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. According to its website, TIFWE's mission is "promoting biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society."[1] Staffer Elise Amyx wrote that IFWE "can best be described as a biblical advocacy think tank with a two-fold philosophy: The Bible teaches that work has rich eternal significance; and Biblical economic principles provide a roadmap for stewarding one’s vocation in a manner that glorifies God and benefits others."[2]
| Koch Wiki |
|---|
The Koch brothers -- David and Charles -- are the right-wing billionaire co-owners of Koch Industries. As two of the richest people in the world, they are key funders of the right-wing infrastructure, including the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the State Policy Network (SPN). In SourceWatch, key articles on the Kochs include: Koch Brothers, Koch Industries, Americans for Prosperity, American Encore, and Freedom Partners. |
Contents
Ties to Koch brothers
According to its tax filings, the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics is affiliated with Evangchr4 Trust and Themis Trust, both of which have links to the Koch brothers. Paul W. Brooks is listed on IFWE's documents as a trustee. According to OpenSecrets, Paul W. Brooks "is the same name as that of a former Koch Industries senior vice president."[3] Executive Director Hugh Whelchel is also listed as the Executive Director of Evangchr4 Trust.
Positions and Activities
The IFWE describes its work as conducting "theological and economic research" and then "translating" its research for the public through its blog, op-eds, webinars, papers, books, and public speaking tours.
The IFWE appears to play a role in developing an intellectual basis for linking Christianity with free-market orthodoxy. For example, staff member Elise Amyx participated in a panel on Christianity and Libertarianism at the International Students for Liberty Conference in February 2014. The panel shared "5 reasons why they believe Christians can be libertarian in their political beliefs," according to a reporter for Christian Post.[4]
In 2012, IFWE released a report on income inequality which argued against the idea that income inequality is a problem. According to the report, "[i]ncome inequality [...] is a fact of economic life. Different people are born with different gifts and choose to pursue them differently. Those gifts carry unequal earthly rewards, one of which is in the form of income."[5]
Funding
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics is not required to disclose its donors.
Core financials
2011[6]
For the period June 7, 2011-May 31, 2012.
- Total Revenue: $970,457
- Total Expenses: $313,359
- Net Assets: $657,098
Grants
2011
- Discovery Institute: $25,000
Affiliated entities
The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics lists TENO, LLC as a disregarded entity in its tax filings. It also lists two "related tax-exempt organizations," Evangchr4 Trust and Themis Trust. Its tax filings further identify two related taxable organizations, Thoco Inc. and Demeter Analytics Services, Inc.
Personnel
Staff
As of June 2014:[7]
- Hugh C. Whelchel, Executive Director
- John Kyle, Chief Operating Officer
- Anne Rathbone Bradley, Vice President of Economic Initiatives
- Art Lindsley, Vice President of Theological Initiatives
- Kristin Brown, Vice President of Communications
- Trevor Badorrek, Director of Data and Analytics
- Elise Amyx, Student Outreach Manager
- Gabrielle Jackson, Director of External Partnerships
- Greg Ayers, Communications Manager & Senior Editor
- Irene Switzer, Operations Administrator & Grants Manager
Researchers
As of June 2014:[8]
- David Kotter, Visiting Scholar
- Doug Bandow, Senior Research Fellow
- Chad Brand, Senior Research Fellow
- Art Carden, Senior Research Fellow
- Paul Cleveland, Senior Research Fellow
- Paul Jeon, Senior Research Fellow
- J. P. Moreland, Senior Research Fellow
- Tom Pratt, Senior Research Fellow
- Derek Yonai, Senior Research Fellow
Board
TIFWE does not list its board members on its website. Its 2011 tax filings report three paid officers in:
- Paul W. Brooks, Trustee and Director
- Hugh Whelchel, Executive Director
- Barnaby Zall, Secretary/Treasurer
Contact information
References
- ↑ Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, About Us, organizational website, accessed June 5, 2014.
- ↑ Elise Amyx, "The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics," Values and Capitalism, accessed June 5, 2014.
- ↑ Viveca Novak, Robert Maguire, and Russ Choma, "Exclusive: Nonprofit Funneled Money to Kochs’ Voter Database Effort, Other Conservative Groups," OpenSecrets, December 21, 2012. Accessed June 5, 2014.
- ↑ Tyler O'Neil, "5 Reasons Christianity and Libertarianism are Compatible, Young Evangelicals Say," Christian Post, February 18, 2014. Accessed June 5, 2014.
- ↑ Dr. Anne Bradley, "Why Does Income Inequality Exist?," Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, accessed June 5, 2014.
- ↑ Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, 2011 Form 990, organizational IRS Filing, April 23, 2013.
- ↑ Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Our People, organizational website, accessed June 4, 2014.
- ↑ Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Our People, organizational website, accessed June 4, 2014.
