Overview
Center Forward is a national, centrist social and political advocacy nonprofit and 501(c)(4) organization based in Washington, D.C. It also operates a super PAC. with the stated goal of serving as "a premier convener for cross-party dialogue" The group is chaired by former U.S. Representative and Democratic Party politician Bud Cramer of Alabama.
History
After the Blue Dog Coalition whittled down in members, the organization was founded to promote similar ideas. Center Forward was founded in 2010 as the Blue Dog Research Forum. Center Forward was launched by a group of moderate policymakers as a think tank with the goal and founding mission to serve as a convener for centrist policies and solutions. Rep. Cramer said, "Since our founding in 2010, we have brought together Republicans and Democrats and have seen firsthand how breaking down those barriers can lead to positive change in how government operates.
We will continue to work to be a positive force in Washington as policymakers address the issues that face Americans across the country." In 2020, CEO Cori Kramer told Business Insider, "A functioning and successful government for the American people is what we should all be focusing on, from Cabinet appointments to legislative agendas. This is unlike anything we've seen in recent history and should be seen as an opportunity for both parties to come to the table to address the ongoing health and economic crises." For 2023, Center Forward reported roughly $13 million in revenue and $12.3 million in expenditures, allocated to policy research, events, and advocacy campaigns. Center Forward supports "centrist allies" on both sides of the aisle.
Policies
Center Forward's work covers eight main policy areas: energy and sustainability, financial services, healthcare, innovation and technology, pragmatic governance, tax reform, trade, and workforce development. It has advocated on issues like preserving incentives like the orphan drug tax credit to promote medical innovation during broader tax reform debate.
Activities
Center Forward conducts research, polling, and policy discussions focused on federal economic and social policies. Its projects have included: *Public-opinion research (2025) reporting that some Trump voters viewed the administration as distracted from economic issues. *A joint report with PwC (2024) comparing U.S. and international tax-filing systems, concluding that countries with return-free filing typically maintain simpler tax codes. Center Forward also presents an "Advancing Good Governance Award" program, which recognizes Members of Congress who are committed to bipartisan leadership and constructive dialogue. This award is presented annually to members of Congress known for building coalitions. The list of 2025 recipients included: Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA).
In April 2019, The Intercept reported that Center Forward hosted a bipartisan policy retreat for senior congressional staff at a resort in Virginia, featuring panels on healthcare legislation from health insurance industry lobbyists who are leading opposition to Medicare for All. Center Forward has endorsed various politicians, including John Barrow in Georgia's 2014 elections. Center Forward reportedly spent $1 million on national television ads promoting a bipartisan approach to balancing the budget. It is chaired by former Democratic Representative Bud Cramer. In November 2025, Center Forward Committee, its super PAC, is spent $630,000 into online and mail ads aimed at helping Representative Angie Craig against Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in the 2026 United States Senate election in Minnesota.
In March 2026, Center Forward released findings of a report that found overwhelming bipartisan support for women's health issue: 90% of respondents agreed that women have unique health needs that require specific attention.
Funding
According to the organization’s 2022 IRS Form 990 filings (ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer), Center Forward reported $12.97 million in total expenses, nearly all dedicated to research, events, and nationwide advertising campaigns. Investigations by Kaiser Health News and OpenSecrets (2018) identified Center Forward among advocacy groups that received substantial support from pharmaceutical-industry lobbying entities. The group does not disclose individual donors, consistent with U.S. law governing 501(c)(4) "social-welfare" organizations. The group has been heavily funded with dark money donations from the pharmaceutical industry's lobbying group.
Partnerships
Center Forward has worked with Bipartisan Policy Center.