“Capita is a refreshing entrant into the policy think tank space. I look forward to many years of policy & practice ideas on what can shape & help ensure human flourishing, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable in society.”
Who we are
Capita is an independent, nonpartisan think tank with a global focus. Our purpose is to build a future in which all children and families flourish.
We stand at the edge of seismic shifts in the global economy and our political and environmental systems—systems that frequently ignore children. Yet by prioritizing our youngest and their support networks we have the potential to radically transform the social fabric of our societies for the long term.
Capita explores how the great cultural, planetary, and social transformations of our day affect our youngest children (0-8 years old) and our communities. We focus on the interrelated problems and injustices that prevent society from meeting the needs of children and families, particularly those furthest from opportunity. From the impacts of climate change to parental loneliness and social disconnection, our work catalyzes creative new ideas and solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges.
Our vision
A future in which children and families can develop to realize their full potential in a just, peaceful, prosperous society on a healthier, cleaner and safer planet.
What we do
We take a long term, big picture view of those challenges:
We curate ideas from across disciplines and eras.
We promote creative new solutions to legislative and executive decision-makers in local, state, and national governments, multilateral organizations, foundations, NGOs, and other institutions.
We host conversations and debate, bringing together a diverse range of voices, backgrounds and perspectives.
We provide foresight to leaders and organizations - fusing insights from the past, the present and the future.
How we do it
We do this by:
bringing together research, published analysis and commentary.
hosting private seminars, workshops, public meetings and convenings.
building cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral networks to facilitate collaborative action.
providing direct consultations to a range of global clients- from governments and think tanks, to private businesses and philanthropists.
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the USA, we rely on the generous support of foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals.
What do we mean by flourishing?
“Flourishing incorporates education, health, access to artistic and cultural assets, mental and spiritual well-being, and the ability to contribute meaningfully as a citizen and member of society.”
We live in a time of accelerated and compound transformation. From a prevailing sense that the economy does not work for all, fears of an uninhabitable earth, and the rapid expansion of digital technology into everyday life, our institutions are struggling to maintain relevance, families are stressed, and fragmentation is accelerating. All of these transformations may imperil our children’s futures and present new opportunities to design a future in which all children flourish.
We understand a life of flourishing to be that which allows individuals and communities to imagine and become what they wish to be with passion, purpose, and excellence.
Our Values
Human dignity: We affirm the inherent and equal dignity of every person. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Solidarity & the common good: We aren’t in this alone. The coming decades must be shaped by a deeper commitment to strengthening connection, collaboration, and relationships.
Democracy: All people and their voices matter. We believe in extending more power to more people in more ways.
Good work: We aim to give our work our best effort every day and to support the good work of others through fair partnership and just remuneration.
Deep hospitality: We are literally and figuratively welcoming - opening our space to others and accepting their diverse opinions.
Exploration: We value curiosity and free expression, an openness to exploring new ideas and perspectives, and intellectual independence. While we are excited by the “new”, we also wish to explore, interrogate, and understand the past. Where the past offers wisdom for today, we will embrace it as guidance for the future.
Our commitment to being nonpartisan & independent
Consistent with our mission, Capita’s employees, contractors, and other stakeholders may provide analysis and recommendations to elected officials and candidates for public office. However, employees, contractors, and other stakeholders may not participate in partisan political activities on behalf of the organization.
In the spirit of creativity and the free exploration of ideas, Capita commissions products from diverse viewpoints exploring how the great social and cultural transformations of our day affect young children, and to foster new ideas to ensure a future in which all children and families flourish. The products we commission are intended to contribute to a public dialogue and foster debate. The views of any one product represent those of the author and not necessarily the views of the organization, staff, Board of Directors, funders, or other stakeholders.
Our Funders
Capita currently receives or has received funding from:
Adiuvans Fund
Bernard van Leer Foundation
Bezos Family Foundation
David & Laura Merage Foundation
Early Learning Alliance
FEMSA Foundation
Greenville First Steps
Hartney Family Charitable Fund
Klingenstein Philanthropies
Openfields
Reach Out and Read
The Waters Group
Spartanburg County First Steps
The Storer Foundation
The Aspen Institute Ascend Impact Fund
The August Heid Trust
The Burke Foundation
The Children's Museum of the Upstate
The Two Lilies Fund
United WE
University of Kansas Center for Research
W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation
HopeStar Foundation
Voqal
Imaginable Futures
Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein Fund
UpTogether
The Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation
Please email us if you want to know more about Capita’s funding.
To find out more about how you or your organization can support Capita’s work, please email Joe Waters.