January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month

Hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion, disabilities, restricted access to participation in the democratic process. These are just some of the many manifestations of poverty. More than 40 million Americans live in poverty, but we can eradicate poverty. As Nelson Mandela said, “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the action of human beings.”

While poverty is a complex social issue, you can make a significant difference through workplace giving. Don’t have a program? Click here to have your employer contact our team about bring employee giving to your workplace. Each of the nonprofits listed below, vetted by America’s Charities, are dedicated to helping the impoverished through programs and services concentrated on addressing the root sources of poverty and working to create sound policy frameworks locally and nationally that will help lift our fellow neighbors, family members, and friends out of poverty so they can live independent, sustainable lives and contribute to the community.

Understanding the Importance of National Poverty in America Awareness Month

National Poverty in America Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that poverty remains a persistent and complex challenge affecting millions of individuals and families across the United States. While often misunderstood or overlooked, poverty impacts access to essential needs such as housing, food security, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Raising awareness throughout January helps bring visibility to these challenges and encourages informed conversations about their root causes and long-term solutions.

Addressing poverty requires coordinated efforts across nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals. Trusted nonprofit partners play a critical role in delivering direct services, advocating for systemic change, and supporting pathways to economic stability. By learning about the realities of poverty in America and supporting effective programs, individuals and organizations can help strengthen communities and promote greater equity and opportunity.

National Poverty in America Awareness Month also highlights the role employers and workplaces can play through charitable giving, employee engagement, and partnerships with vetted nonprofit organizations. When businesses align their social impact efforts with proven solutions, they can contribute to meaningful, sustainable change that extends beyond a single month and supports communities year-round.

In recognition of National Poverty in America Awareness Month, which takes place in January each year, join us by supporting and raising awareness about these nonprofits who are making a difference in the fight to stamp out poverty for good.

Provide food and support through community coordination: 

• Connecticut Food Bank
• Feeding America
• Food for Others, Inc.
• Meals on Wheels America
• Share Our Strength (No Kid Hungry)

Provide food, shelter, counseling and support:

• Feed the Children
• Miriam’s Kitchen
• Salvation Army National Capital Area

Support for individuals and families struggling with poverty: 

• A Wider Circle
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Inc.
• Christian Appalachian Project
• Lorton Community Action Center
• The Shepherd’s Table

Provide affordable housing and support:  

• Good Shepherd Housing
• Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia 
• Rebuilding Together Alexandria
• Rebuilding Together Montgomery County

Fight for Economic Justice and Equality:

• ACLU
• Southern Poverty Law Center
• NAACP
• NAACP LDF

Provide Access to Education and Support Disadvantaged Youth:

• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Scholarship Fund – Point Foundation 
• Generation Hope
• 100 Black Men of America 
• The Child & Family Network Centers (CFNC)