About
The Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality is a research center that generates policy solutions to improve the lives of people experiencing poverty in the United States. Collaborating with government and movement leaders, we provide timely, evidenced-based ideas to impact decision-making, increase economic well-being, and advance racial and gender equity.
An America without poverty is possible.
We can live in a country where people have the freedom and resources to take care of themselves and their loved ones. In this future, economic opportunity is a right, hardship and instability are the exception, and children have what they need to reach their full potential. That is the true American dream.
Imagining an America where opportunity is available to everyone requires directly addressing systems that hold back women of color. Prioritizing women of color isn’t just a slogan—it’s a strategic approach and sound strategy. Centering women of color generates a ripple effect, benefiting all families and creating systems that work for everyone.
We leverage our strong partnerships with government and movement leaders to deliver timely, evidence-based policy ideas that inform critical decision-making and support progress toward ending poverty. Our work ensures that legislative agendas and policy actions are informed by the lived experiences of people experiencing poverty. Together, we’re building a future free from poverty, grounded in opportunity for all.
Our History: Bridging Research & Policy
More than half a century ago, civil rights and anti-poverty leaders envisioned a country that lived up to its ideals of opportunity, democracy, and a fair chance for every person.
Among these visionaries was Peter Edelman—Faculty Director and Founder of the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality. Alongside Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Peter fought to establish some of the nation’s most successful anti-poverty programs. And after serving in all three branches of government, he took a principled stand to push back against racist changes to welfare. Two decades later, he founded GCPI, envisioning an organization that could bridge the worlds of research and policy and harness the unique strengths of Georgetown University to power the next generation of poverty-fighting policy priorities.
Ideas with Impact
- Expanding pandemic unemployment assistance,
- Increasing flexibility for kinship care in foster systems,
- Improving wages and working conditions for direct care workers,
- Creating the monthly payment structure of the expanded Child Tax Credit,
- Advancing progressive paid leave policies,
- Expanding college financial aid for people in prison, and
- Distributing emergency funding to child care providers.
Our Core Issues
Public Benefits
Accessible and inclusive public benefit programs are essential to strengthening communities and the country. We’re building the case for whole-family, community-centered approaches to food assistance, cash support, and social services.
Good Jobs
A thriving economy that works for everyone requires increasing worker agency and power. Our ideas promote job quality and job creation policies that ensure well-paying, secure jobs with fair benefits and build worker power.
Income & Cash
Income support programs—including cash assistance and tax credits—help families meet their basic needs and promote economic mobility. We champion policies such as a living wage, direct cash assistance, and progressive tax credits to provide economic stability.
Care
High-quality caregiving is essential for families, individuals, and society. We design policies that recognize and fairly compensate caregiving labor, including paid leave.
Housing
Safe, stable housing is a fundamental right. Our policy ideas invest in housing as a social good, including solutions that secure stable, affordable housing for all families.