Institute for Economics and Peace

What it reported doing in 2024

Executive SummaryIEP conducts research on peace, conflict, and resilience, producing globally recognized indices and analytical tools used by governments, multilateral institutions, and development organizations. During the year, IEP published four major research reports, delivered over 100 briefings and presentations across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, expanded its Positive Peace programming into 12 countries, and deepened partnerships with UN agencies, international humanitarian organizations, and major foundations. This work continued to position IEP as a leading source of data and analysis on global peace and security.Global Peace IndexIEP released the latest edition of the Global Peace Index, covering 163 countries, with launch events held in New York, Washington DC, Canada, and globally online. These events were attended by Ambassadors, Deputy Permanent Representatives, government officials, and representatives from development research institutions and civil society organizations. Briefings were delivered throughout the year to government agencies, security sector partners, and academic institutions, with Spanish-language presentations reaching audiences across Latin America.Global Terrorism IndexThe latest edition of the Global Terrorism Index was launched with events held across the United States and Canada, including briefings for defense, law enforcement, and security sector partners, as well as for think tanks, universities, and academic institutions throughout North America.Ecological Threat ReportThe latest edition of the Ecological Threat Report, analyzing food insecurity, water risk, demographic pressure, and natural hazards, was launched with events coordinated alongside UN environmental agencies, peacebuilding alliances, and Missions to the United Nations. Findings were briefed at UN conferences and the reports framing of environmental threats as peacebuilding issues was featured in discussions at COP 30 in Brazil.Mexico Peace IndexIEP published the latest edition of the Mexico Peace Index, which was referenced in over 600 press articles within two weeks of release. The Index continues to inform the security strategies of multiple Mexican states, the federal government, and peacebuilding organizations operating throughout the country. Over 40 MPI and Positive Peace related presentations, trainings, and consultancies were delivered in Mexico throughout the year.POSITIVE PEACEIEPs Positive Peace programming expanded into new regions and partner organizations during the year. Working with international humanitarian and development partners, IEP developed a comprehensive field manual applying the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace to development and peace programming, now being rolled out to staff globally. IEP also contributed to the development of new child vulnerability measurement systems and to discussions on how peace and resilience metrics could guide resource allocation across partner development portfolios.IEPs network of Positive Peace Activators continued to grow, with members integrating the framework into peace education and community programs across Latin America and other parts of the world. Positive Peace workshops were delivered at international conventions and partner events, training participants in the application of the framework. Among these, a Programs of Scale initiative in Colombia became the first large-scale program of its kind dedicated to peacebuilding with Positive Peace as a core component. The Community Strength Barometer was further developed as a community resilience measurement tool.PARTNERSHIPSIEPs UN engagement deepened during the year. Among multiple engagements with UN agencies, IEP co-hosted roundtables and validation workshops on topics including the impact of militarization on the Sustainable Development Goals, joined advisory boards for UN peacekeeping initiatives on data literacy, and advanced discussions on country-level assessments of peacebuilding investmen

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 53.6%; rating input score 54
• Program expense ratio: 56.7%; rating input score 57
• Fundraising efficiency: $2.65 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 8; 8th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 85.7%; rating input score 86; 2nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 2 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 33
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: 0 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 0
  • Claims monitoring procedures: Limited
  • Requires narrative reports: Limited
  • Conducts field audits: Limited
  • May suspend future funding: Limited
  • Requires financial reports: Limited
  • Conducts site visits: Limited
  • Requires grant agreements: Limited
  • May require repayment: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 0%; rating input score 0; 13th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 75
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Fail
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 5.4%; rating input score 51; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.36; rating input score 17; 17th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.38; rating input score 21; 21st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 39.1%; rating input score 4; 4th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: -1.4% per year; rating input score 0; 14th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 0.1% per year; rating input score 100; 15th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 1.8% per year; rating input score 100; 24th percentile among comparable filings