The John W. Pope Civitas Institute, often referred to as the Civitas Institute, is a conservative public policy think tank based in North Carolina, USA. Founded in 2006, it focuses on research and advocacy in areas such as education reform, government transparency, free-market economics, and limited government principles. The organization was established with significant funding from the John William Pope Foundation, named after the late businessman and philanthropist John William Pope, who supported conservative causes. Civitas has been instrumental in promoting policies aligned with Republican and conservative ideologies, including school choice initiatives, tax reform, and critiques of government overreach. It operates as a non-partisan entity but is widely recognized for its right-leaning perspectives and has collaborated with other conservative groups to influence North Carolina's political landscape.

Over the years, Civitas has produced reports, hosted events, and engaged in litigation support to advance its agenda, particularly in education and election integrity. In 2020, the Civitas Institute merged with the John Locke Foundation, another prominent conservative think tank in North Carolina, to form a more unified voice for free-market policies. This merger allowed for expanded resources and reach, with Civitas's programs integrated into the larger organization's framework. Despite the merger, the Civitas name continues to be associated with specific initiatives, such as the Civitas Center for Public Integrity, which monitors government ethics and transparency.

The institute has faced criticism from progressive groups for its funding sources and perceived partisan bias, though it maintains a commitment to non-partisan research. Its work has influenced state legislation, including efforts to expand charter schools and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. Allegations of undue influence through donor networks have been raised, but no major legal actions have been documented against the organization.