itinera calls itself a fully independent institute, not financed by political parties, lobby groups or government bodies, and claims its only revenue sources come from private donators, but critics have questioned these claims of independence made by itinera. dirk van der maelen notes that the formation of the organisation was funded by leaders of the business community, who have connections to open vld and lld; and gives explicit mention to luc verelst, bart verhaeghe, christian leysen and nicolas saverys, according to van der maelen, itinera has not come forward to answer questions regarding financing since their foundation. political philosopher thomas decreus has called itinera "a neo-liberal lobby group with political ambitions".