Information & public education - the population institute gathers and disseminates a wide variety of information on population issues related to family planning and reproductive health through books and articles, its website, press releases, podcasts, and other public programs.

International population and development - the population institute supports education, programs and activities that highlight and address the demographic challenges facing developing countries. That work includes efforts aimed at removing the barriers to contraceptive use. It also includes efforts to address gender inequality, child marriage practices, and the harmful social norms that contribute to rapid population growth, food insecurity, and environmental degradation.

Public policy - the population institute analyzes and monitors legislation, administrative policies, and external developments, and their impact on population and sexual and reproductive health.