THE DISCOUNT FOUNDATION is a small private foundation concerned with large social problems. Since 1996, Discount has focused entirely upon alleviating poverty by supporting exemplary programs to make work pay. Our grants support innovative ways of reducing and, hopefully, eliminating poverty by elevating wages and creating job opportunities, primarily through community and workplace organizing efforts that include strong leadership development and public policy advocacy.

Discount's goal is to make economic opportunity, the American Dream for generations of immigrants, a reality for all. President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937, proposing the first national minimum wage law, sought to "end starvation wages" by guaranteeing America's "men and women a fair day's pay for a fair day's work". Nevertheless, almost 25% of all Americans, many working at one or even two full-time jobs, remain poor.

Discount, therefore, remains committed to Making Work Pay, promoting jobs and living wages for the poor, and reducing income inequality. In support of this mission, the Discount Board of Directors recently approved grants for 2007 (see Grants List) and is now open to receiving Letters of Inquiry for 2008 grants (see Grant Process).

Download Making Work Pay: The Discount Foundation Retrospective Report 1997-2002