The National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) is committed to the fundamental idea that all Americans should have access to retirement security. Established in 2007, NIRS is the leading national nonprofit that delivers high-quality research on the unique role of defined benefit pensions in providing that security. Moreover, the organization is a trusted source of research on how pensions benefit not only workers but also employers and the overall economy. NIRS has a reputation for setting the record straight with transparent data so stakeholders and policymakers on both sides of the aisle can rely on NIRS for clear facts and data on pensions and retirement.
The diverse membership of NIRS makes our work possible. Our members include the public pension community as well as top financial, technology, and legal services firms; retirement non-profit organizations; labor organizations; employee benefit plans; and trade groups. Membership offers a wide range of benefits, from research partnerships and webinar collaborations to inclusion in the NIRS monthly newsletter and other media and PR opportunities, attendance and speaking roles at the Visionary Circle Meeting and our annual policy conference, and increased visibility and networking opportunities.
of the 10 largest US pension funds supported NIRS in 2025
Source: Pensions and Investments, Top Defined Benefit List
NIRS retirement system members manage over $4.3 trillion in 2025
Source: NIRS
Annual member retention rate between 2023-2025
Source: NIRS
of the leading retirement service providers supported NIRS in 2025
Source: NIRS
Corporate entities working with public retirement plans are invited to join at the Educational Sustainer or Visionary Circle level.
Non-profit organizations are invited to join at the Educational Sustainer, Director Circle, or Visionary Circle level.
Employee benefit plans, state or local agencies charged with investing public funds, and charitable tax-exempt foundations and endowments are encouraged to join at the Associate Member or Visionary Circle level.
“The growing retirement savings shortfall and the absence of dependable retirement programs are two of the most essential financial challenges of our time. The National Institute of Retirement Security plays a vital role in addressing these issues by producing credible, comprehensive research and fostering dialogue on key and emerging retirement topics, with the goal of ensuring that Americans can achieve meaningful retirement income that is both stable and secure.”
