Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Promotes policies to alleviate poverty and hunger, improve economic opportunity, expand health coverage and lessen gaps between rich and poor. Strong emphasis on working poor.

How do you help people in my community?

Half of the Center's work is now conducted at state and local levels. This work impacts communities across the country, as does much of the Center's work on major areas of national policy.  For example, due to the Center's work, more low-income children and families are eligible for and receiving health care through Medicaid, nutritional benefits through the WIC and food stamp programs, and tax credits through the EITC.  We also provide materials and training to child care centers, religious congregations, labor unions, civic organizations, schools and hospitals, to name a few, to help them connect low-income working families with benefits for which they qualify.

Why do you need my support?

We are a private nonprofit organization funded primarily by foundations and individual donations.  We receive no government funds.  Most of the foundation funds we receive are earmarked for specific activities.  The funds we raise from individuals like you allow us to move swiftly to undertake other activities and apply resources where needs arise, often on an urgent basis.  The flexibility to apply funds quickly where needed is crucial to the Center's effectiveness.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

We strive to use funds very efficiently.  Most of the other nonprofit organizations rated highly in the Aspen Institute survey mentioned above have budgets far larger than ours.  For example, among the 98 nonprofit organizations named in that survey, the median organizational budget was triple that of the Center's.  The Center is known for doing an excellent job in getting a great deal of "bang for the buck."

Our work and expenditures are overseen by a distinguished Board of Directors that includes leading budget experts, as well as by an experienced senior management team.  An independent auditor examines our books every year.

Can I Volunteer? How?

We suggest you volunteer with local programs in your community.  If you wish to volunteer in local outreach programs that the Center assists — and that seek to help working poor families and children secure benefits for which they qualify — you can contact Laura Cox or John Wancheck at (202) 408-1080.  They can let you know which organizations in your community are involved in these endeavors.