Poverty

Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) Brief: Supporting Childhood Well-Being through Eliminating Childhood Poverty – This fact sheet examines the detrimental effects of childhood poverty in Wisconsin, citing research linking poverty to numerous negative health, academic, and social outcomes.

WISCAP – Wisconsin’s statewide network of poverty-fighting agencies, has served the state for over six decades. The organization operates and supports various programs, including food banks, shelters, and early childhood education, advocating for policies to combat poverty and enhance community resilience. WISCAP also provides training and research to strengthen its member agencies and improve public awareness. The organization actively promotes housing stability, workforce development, and health/food security.

University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty – The Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on research, training, policy, and practice related to poverty. Their website highlights upcoming seminars on various poverty-related topics, announces funding opportunities for research proposals, and showcases recent publications investigating issues. The organization actively seeks to understand and address systemic inequities contributing to poverty.

Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy – a government initiative assisting Wisconsin families with child care costs. The program offers subsidies to eligible working families, aiming to improve access to affordable, quality care. Information on the website is provided for parents, providers, and agency workers, covering application processes, eligibility requirements, and program updates. Related services, such as child support and other family assistance programs, are also listed.

Poverty Guidelines and Determining Eligibility for Participation in Head Start Programs – This HeadStart.gov webpage explains how income eligibility for Head Start programs is determined. Federal poverty guidelines and information are key resources shared on this webpage.

Child Trends Poverty & Economic Well-being – a research organization focusing on child well-being, with a particular emphasis on poverty’s impact on child development. Their research examines various aspects of children’s lives, including health, education, and family dynamics, across diverse populations.

National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) – a research organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income children and families. Their research focuses on various areas impacting children’s well-being, including early childhood education, economic supports, and mental health. They offer numerous publications and resources, including state-level policy profiles and data tools, to inform and support these efforts. Their ultimate goal is to reduce child poverty and promote healthy child development.

Updated 5/07/2025