About WHY

Founded in 1975, WHY is a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world.

WHY is convinced that solutions to hunger and poverty can be found at the grassroots level. WHY advances long-term solutions to hunger and poverty by supporting community-based organizations that empower individuals and build self-reliance, i.e., offering job training, education and after school programs; increasing access to housing and healthcare; providing microcredit and entrepreneurial opportunities; teaching people to grow their own food; and assisting small farmers. WHY connects these organizations to funders, media and legislators.

At WHY, we envision a world without hunger and poverty. If we can shift the prevailing viewpoint on why hunger and poverty exist, then we can influence the policymakers and put an end to this human tragedy.

WHY sponsors two major fundraisers each year. Hungerthon is WHY’s largest annual public outreach. It is broadcast during Thanksgiving week to more than 6 million people with essential information about hunger and poverty. At the WHY Awards Dinner each spring we honor excellence in grassroots organizations and the media with cash grants.

WHY is a not-for-profit registered 501(c)(3) organization founded by radio talk show host and present Executive Director Bill Ayres, and the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin.