RAND The RAND Corporation, one of the world's most influential think tanks, was spun off from the Douglas Corporation in May 1948 to become an independent think tank. It is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the future welfare of the American public and enhance social security through philanthropy, education and technology. At its inception, RAND provided intelligence and analysis services primarily for the U.S. military, and then gradually developed into an organization that provides intelligence and research services for other governments or groups.