Equal Futures moves evidence to impact at scale.

Our Approach

  • Close-up of a world map focusing on Southeast Asia, with pins marking various locations. The pins are red, green, blue, and black, placed on countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Christmas Island.

    Building comparative policy data

    We systematically examine state- and national-level laws and policies that matter to equality, translating complex legal texts into quantitative measures and maps that make policy choices transparent and readily understandable.

  • A field of wheat with wind turbines at sunset, dark clouds in the sky, and the sun partly visible on the horizon.

    Analyzing what’s worked

    Using rigorous econometric methods, we measure whether policy changes have led to improvements in health, economic security, education, equality, and other outcomes across jurisdictions.

  • A metallic statue of Lady Justice holding a scale with a blindfold covering her eyes.

    Uncovering inequalities in the law

    Laws and policies that are neutral on their face can nevertheless widen disparities across race, gender, class, and other dimensions. We analyze the data to bring these unequal impacts to light.

  • Microscopic image of diatoms with green and yellow coloration and long silica cell walls.

    Surfacing innovative solutions

    For some global challenges, the evidence on what works is already strong–but for new and emerging threats, governments will need to innovate. We identify and elevate promising approaches from around the world.

  • Group of diverse people putting their hands together in the center, symbolizing unity and teamwork, in an indoor setting.

    Partnering to drive impact

    Partnerships with the organizations, people, and movements best positioned to move policies are fundamental to our approach to change and central to our commitments to collective action and collective benefits.

Building on a foundation of impact.

Over a decade working together at the leading university-based center working on comparative policy globally and in the U.S., Equal Futures’ founding team:

  • Produced more than 2,500 indicators of key aspects of laws and policies that matter to equality, health, and economic outcomes for all 193 UN countries

  • Partnered with leaders, policymakers, and civil society groups engaged in work across 110 countries on all continents

  • Helped advance evidence-based changes that have benefited over 300 million people worldwide in nearly 40 countries