Working for Society
from the Heartland.
Our Mission
Sagamore builds and implements solutions to society’s biggest problems. Combining research with entrepreneurial innovations, citizen participation, and impact investing, Sagamore advances practical and sustainable solutions to improve communities.
Our Model
Ideas, Innovations and Investments. Ideas expand our possibilities; innovations put those ideas to work; and investments scale both sustainably.
Our Programs
Sagamore’s portfolio of programs and initiatives promotes action-oriented policy innovation, business solutions and citizen engagement.
Our Story
In 2004 Senator Dan Coats and Jay Hein founded Sagamore Institute, an Indiana think tank rooted in heartland values and focused on constructive action.
Our Team
Sagamore operates a network of partners and fellows, an accomplished board of trustees, and a mission-driven headquarters team.
What's New at Sagamore

Sagamore Honors Life of Founding Member Jerry Semler
Sagamore honors the life and legacy of founding board member Jerry Semler. Jerry helped establish Sagamore in 2004 with former U.S. Sen. Dan Coats and was the only board member who served every year on Sagamore’s board since its founding – a nearly two-decade long string of service. Jerry died on July 24 at age 86.
“Jerry epitomized Hoosier values. He was kind to everyone, relentless in his service to his community, active in putting his faith to work and loyal to his friends.”
–Dan Coats

Sagamore's President Celebrates First Year in Role
After a year as president of Sagamore, Teresa Lubbers reflects on the organization’s expansive role beyond a traditional think tank. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating the value of Sagamore’s work, branding it as “Indiana’s think tank.” Lubbers highlights her commitment to education and economic growth, drawing parallels between her past roles and Sagamore’s initiatives, such as Workforce 2040, which aims to prepare for the future of work and learning. As Sagamore approaches its 20th anniversary, Lubbers envisions building on its legacy, focusing on solutions and innovations for a better future for Indiana and the nation.
“I thought I knew a lot — and I did know more than most people would know — about Sagamore, but what I had to come to grips with was how much I didn’t know about the breadth of offerings that we have and the ways in which we are engaged in important work, or the ways in which we’re not a traditional think tank. ”
–Teresa Lubbers, President