Who supports us and why The Foundation For Free Enterprise is governed by a Board of Trustees,   composed of a diverse group of business leaders and educators. Our business leaders include manufacturers, accountants, retailers, attorneys, a medical doctor and numerous entrepreneurs. Everyone on our board is bound by a commitment to a free and open economy within the context of individual liberty and responsibility, with the board sharing a common belief in freedom, prosperity and progress being ultimately linked. FFE is funded exclusively by contributions and grants from individuals, businesses and not for profit foundations. We have never accepted government grants. The Staff and Board are able to accomplish a great deal  with our resources because we call upon volunteers to help in many of our programs and because our administrative expenses are modest, mostly associated with classroom expenses. Educating Future Leaders Free Markets:   important link to democracy and optimism One would think that, in a country whose citizens enjoy one of the highest standards of living and quality of life known to mankind, everyone would be a proponent of the free market. Yet, the educational mission of the Foundation For Free Enterprise is unfortunately very necessary. This is not because people in positions of influence, such as education and the media, are mean or evil. Quite the opposite, they are generally good people with noble intentions who simply are ignorant of the profound difference free markets make in people’s lives. These well intentioned men and women often call for a larger role for government in people’s lives, thereby undermining the powerful market forces that people need in order to excel. The Foundation For Free Enterprise works hard to be certain people understand how markets create a climate of opportunity that enable people to reach their full potential, and the human spirit to thrive. Students who enroll in our courses of study learn business and economics principles within a context of individual liberty. They quickly come to understand that free societies are characterized by voluntary exchange, and that a way to measure success in such a system is through profits. Those who offer goods and services in the marketplace that are valued by their customers are rewarded with their business. However, success in a free market goes far beyond the dollars. It is measured in the quality of life people enjoy. One subtle ingredient of a high quality of life is the freedom to dream, and to be in control of one’s own destiny. While success in a free market is never guaranteed, the freedom to try is a powerful catalyst that has no match in societies in which the lives of its citizens are restricted and controlled. While creative people live in every country on the globe, it is no coincidence that this virtue is manifested most often in countries whose economy is based upon free market principles. Whether or not it is their intention, entrepreneurs such inspire others to do their best work as well. The contribution of entrepreneurs goes far beyond the goods or services they develop and sell. Their success sends an inspirational message that says: in a free society anything is possible. Educating Future Leaders