The McCain Institute is a Washington, D.C.–based nonpartisan think tank established in cooperation with Arizona State University with the stated mission to "fight for democracy, human dignity, and security for a world that is free, safe, and just for all people.

Based in Washington, D.C., the McCain Institute is part of Arizona State University.

[2] The institute's stated goals are to provide decision recommendations for leaders, to publish relevant research, to identify and train new national security leaders, and to promote and preserve the McCain family's legacy.

[3] The McCain Institute is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

As of 2024, past donors have included Wal-Mart, FedEx, SpaceX, Chevron,[4] the embassies of Saudi Arabia[5] and Denmark,[4] Howard Graham Buffett[6] and hedge fund owner Paul E.