Mission: The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that investigates and exposes waste, corruption, abuse of power, and when the government fails to serve the public or silences those who report wrongdoing.
We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles.
Results: POGO is fighting for a fair and just federal government that works for the public, not just for those who have the money and connections to shape public policy for their own private gain. We have earned a reputation as a nonpartisan, honest broker, which makes us a trusted resource among government insiders and decision-makers on both sides of the aisle, enabling us to work toward solutions that will fix America’s democracy.
Our investigations team uncovers systemic issues of wrongdoing in the federal government, and focuses on where the government and powerful private interests intersect, a nexus at which corruption and abuse of power can thrive.
Our public policy team explores and pushes for evidence-based policy reforms that address the systemic issues our investigations uncover.
Our communications team works with the media and the public to educate them about the issues we’ve investigated and to put pressure on decision-makers to pass the reforms that will improve the government.
Geographic areas served: The United States
Programs: • The Center for Defense Information (CDI) aims to secure a far more effective and ethical military at a significantly lower cost.
• The Congressional Oversight Initiative (COI) provides congressional staff with resources and knowledge to perform their oversight responsibilities more effectively, therefore strengthening the legislative branch’s ability to counterbalance executive power.
• The Constitution Project (TCP) safeguards constitutional rights that are threatened by abuse of the government’s national security and domestic policing powers.
I have been a Board member since its beginning and nothing has made me more proud of being an American living in a democracy in need of constant attention to ensure an open, honest and accountable operation of government. No organization does it better and in greater depth than POGO! Anne B. Zill Fund for Constitutional Government
The hallmark of POGO is the reliability of its information. When POGO produces a report about waste or fraud or other problem, or advocates a reform, I can trust that the information put forward is well researched, accurate, and thoroughly vetted. POGO is also excellent at obtaining allies on both sides of the political aisle and assembling effective coalitions.
