The House That Ed Feulner Built

In 1982 the historian Russell Kirk invited me to attend a meeting of the Philadelphia Society. It was at that meeting that I met Ed Feulner, the founder of the now formidable Heritage Foundation. We have been friends ever since. A few days ago Ed passed away. Many tributes have been and will be written about his lasting contributions. This is mine … 

In 2017 Heritage asked me to work on its Mandate for Leadership project. While at Heritage I became appreciative of the rich nature of this unique conservative “think tank.” Upon the completion of the project, I met with Ed and shared an informal list I had drafted, what I entitled “Ten Strategic Advantages of The Heritage Foundation.” Ed asked me to share it with a few of his staff. Those attributes are … 

SCALE & SCOPE: Among the hundreds of conservative groups, only Heritage can match the scale and scope of the U.S. government and American society. It engages on tax, trade, foreign policy, energy, the environment, law, and election integrity, marriage, and family. This gives Heritage leaders a holistic view of our Republic and how its various parts are working (or not working) for us. 

“ONE VOICE”: Most large think tanks have “many voices”—sometimes as many voices as the scholars who write and speak for them! Heritage speaks with “one voice” for unity of vision and focused impact. It is a singular beacon in all policy storms. 

INDEPENDENCE: Unlike some think tanks, Heritage does not ask its policy experts to raise their own funds. Scholars focus on their research, writing, and speaking. Staff engages with donors and friends who are already aligned with Heritage principles. 

COALITIONS HQ: Heritage creates multiplier effects. It advances policy coalitions that support and unify the movement. It offers grants to small conservative programs and projects that show great promise and positive results. 

FUTURE LEADERS: Heritage trains, houses, and engages 200+ interns annually. While working at Heritage, each intern has written goals and is treated as a valued member of the team on which they are assigned. This is a real-world mindset. 

ACCOUNTABILITY: Heritage seeks measurable results in their policy proposals. Words are nice. Actions are key. Success is the goal. 

FARSIGHTED, TIMELY: Some Heritage scholars focus on long-term research, others address the details of current issues. Heritage fireproofs as well as fights fires. 

NATIONAL REACH: With 500,000+ members in all 50 states, Heritage keeps citizens current on the policy debates of the day. 

GRASSROOTS IMPACT: Heritage Action has real-time, grassroots impact—using its unique political outreach—the Sentinel Program—to move policy across the goal line. 

HUMAN FLOURISHING: Some conservative think tanks only address regulations, free markets, and free trade. Heritage’s reach is broader, deeper, richer. Their work includes faith, family, and human flourishing. This makes all the difference. 

These attributes of Heritage—when taken together—make it the ideal flagship for the American conservative movement. This is the legacy Ed Feulner leaves for those of us in that movement.

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