Shining a Light on Poverty in America

The Acton Institute is producing a groundbreaking new film that brings its mission to bear on one of the most urgent and misunderstood challenges of our time: poverty in the United States. Following the international success of Poverty, Inc., which won over 60 awards and was screened across 43 countries, this new documentary will explore the deeper roots of domestic poverty—going beyond politics and policy to examine the breakdown of community, the erosion of social capital, and the human cost of disconnected, top-down solutions.

Told through powerful stories, expert insights, and a nonpartisan lens, the film challenges conventional narratives on both the right and the left. It argues that poverty in America is not just a lack of material wealth, but also of spiritual, moral, familial, and social goods. More than relief, people in poverty need partnership, dignity, and a renewed sense of purpose in the communities they help build. This documentary will showcase individuals and organizations doing just that—creating networks of mutual aid, productivity, and solidarity that restore agency and rebuild civil society.

Scheduled for public release in 2027, this $6.2 million project includes nationwide screenings, side films on pivotal issues, and strategic distribution to academic and civic institutions. To support the production and distribution of this important film, you can make a direct, tax-deductible donation today

Reach out today

For major sponsorship opportunities—including producer-level giving or underwriting community screenings—please contact Kevin Augustyn, Vice President of Development, at kaugustyn@acton.org.