Nonprofit Organizations Supporting National Poverty in America Awareness Month

National Poverty in America Awareness Month is observed each January, which aims to recognize the severe conditions of poverty that many live in.
Nearly 40 million Americans are living in poverty, which manifests in different ways, from hunger and malnutrition to limited access to education, healthcare, and unstable housing.
The economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many Americans into poverty, and many families are having difficulty recovering, especially with the current levels of inflation and volatility in the economy. Many charities that support those in or on the brink of poverty are themselves struggling to keep up with demand, alongside rising prices for food and other basic services.
Explore these nonprofits on the frontlines of the fight to stamp out poverty and consider supporting their important work.
List of Nonprofit for National Poverty in America Awareness Month
Miriam’s Kitchen
Miriam's Kitchen is a non-profit organization located in Washington D.C. that works to end chronic homelessness by providing meals, case management, and other supportive services to homeless individuals in the community. The organization was founded in 1983 and is named after Miriam's daughter, who struggled with homelessness and addiction.
The organization operates a dining room that provides breakfast and lunch to homeless individuals every day, as well as a variety of other programs, including employment training, housing assistance, and healthcare services. In addition to its direct services, Miriam's Kitchen also advocates for policies and initiatives that aim to end homelessness and improve the lives of those experiencing it.
Compassion & Choices
Compassion & Choices is a national nonprofit organization in the United States that works to improve care and expand choice at the end of life. It was founded in 1987 as the Hemlock Society, and its mission is to provide information and support to people with terminal illness, their families, and caregivers.
The organization advocates for the legal recognition of medical aid in dying as an end-of-life option for mentally capable, terminally ill adults. It also provides services such as counseling and referrals to people who are considering medical aid in dying or other end-of-life options. Compassion & Choices works to educate the public and policymakers about end-of-life issues and to promote public policy that respects the rights and dignity of dying individuals.
Partnership to End Homelessness
The Partnership to End Homelessness is a non-profit organization that works to address homelessness in New York City. It was founded in 1987 with the goal of helping homeless individuals and families move out of shelters and into permanent housing.
The organization provides a range of services, including case management, job training, and education programs, as well as temporary housing and assistance with finding permanent housing. The Partnership for the Homeless also works to advocate for policies and programs that address the root causes of homelessness and to raise awareness about homelessness in the community.
Mobilize Love
Mobilize Love is a nonprofit who believes everyone should have access to basic human services and after-school programs.
The organization deploys a fleet of outreach trucks, each designed to serve the community in different ways. Among their fleet includes a Laundry Truck, Stage Truck, Food Truck, and Stories Truck.
Roca Inc.
Roca Inc. is a nonprofit aiming to reduce urban violence by helping the youth work through hardships and become contributing members of society. Their team is diligent in aiding people in their most critical stages of life between 17-24.
Their intervention model promises to reach hard-to-reach individuals by continuing to show up for them even after setbacks and relapses.
Horizons For Homeless Children Inc.
Horizons for Homeless Children is a non-profit organization based in Massachusetts that works to improve the lives of homeless children and their families. The organization provides early education and play programs to homeless children, as well as professional development and support to the educators who work with these children.
In addition to its education programs, Horizons for Homeless Children also provides resources and support to homeless families to help them secure stable housing and achieve long-term stability. The organization works with homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, and other organizations serving homeless families in Massachusetts to reach as many children and families as possible. Is there anything specific you would like to know about this organization?
Bayview Senior Services
Bayview Senior Services is a non-profit organization that provides a range of services to seniors in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco, California. These services include meals, transportation, social and recreational activities, and health and wellness programs.
Bayview Senior Services also provides assistance with housing, finances, and other daily living needs, and works to connect seniors with resources and support to help them maintain their independence and quality of life. The organization serves seniors of all income levels and backgrounds, and is committed to meeting the diverse needs of the seniors in the community.
Central Arizona Shelter Services
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, food, and other services to homeless individuals and families in Maricopa County, Arizona. The organization was founded in 1984 with the goal of providing a safe and dignified place for people who are experiencing homelessness to sleep, eat, and receive basic services.
CASS operates several shelters in the Phoenix area, including the Men's Shelter, the Women's Shelter, the Family Shelter, and the Multi-Service Center. In addition to providing emergency shelter, CASS also offers a range of services designed to help people transition out of homelessness, such as case management, job training, and access to healthcare.
Bread For The City Inc.
Bread for the City is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to low-income individuals and families in Washington, D.C., including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services. The organization was founded in 1974 and has since grown to include three neighborhood centers in the city that offer these services to community members.
In addition to providing immediate assistance to those in need, Bread for the City also advocates for systemic change to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
The Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is a non-profit social services organization that serves the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The organization provides a variety of services to people in need, including assistance with housing, food, and clothing, as well as counseling and support for individuals and families.
Catholic Charities also runs a number of programs specifically designed to help refugees and immigrants, such as language classes and job training. The organization's mission is to serve the community and promote social justice, and it is guided by the values of compassion, dignity, and respect for all people.
Filling in the Blanks
Filling in the Blanks is a nonprofit fighting childhood hunger. They provide children in need with nutritious meals on weekends. They use the help of volunteers to distribute food directly into the hands of hungry children.
The organization serves pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, camps, after school programs, and partner agencies. Filling in the Blanks was founded by mothers and community activists Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer. They’ve delivered over one million meals.
Related resources

Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.

5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.

12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?