36 million Americans live in poverty

In the United States, the wealthiest country in the world, 36 million Americans live in poverty - earning less than $20,650 for a family of four in 2007. Another one in six Americans struggle to make ends meet on incomes between 100% and 200% of poverty ( $20,650 to about $40,000 for a family of four). More than 12 million American children grow up in impoverished homes. When compared with 20 other wealthy nation on measures of health, safety and relative poverty, America's children fare amongst the worst.

We can do better, and we should do better.

It is in our national interest, as well as a moral imperative, to fulfill the American promise that each of us will have an opportunity to pursue our dreams. Children who grow up poor too often become adults who cannot contribute effectively to our economic productivity, put a burden on the public health system or enter the criminal justice system.

Foundations have long played an important role in addressing poverty and its effects, through support for pilot programs, research, policy analysis, direct services and more.

The country seems poised to engage in a national discussion on how to address the issue of poverty. A recent poll found that by a large margin, voters say poverty and hunger are getting worse and they want to hear more from candidates on addressing this problem. Furthermore, 60 percent of likely voters call poverty either the single most important priority facing the nation's leaders or a top priority for Congress and the President. The issue of poverty and opportunity is ripe to become a major issue in the 2008 elections. Through Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity, foundations will use their prestige to make sure that 2008 sets the stage for concerted action on poverty and opportunity in 2009 and beyond.

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