Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government recently issued a case study on BenePhilly, a 14-year anti-poverty initiative that is a partnership between Benefits Data Trust, the City of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania's Departments of Aging and Human Services. BenePhilly was one of four finalists in the school’s 2020 Innovations in American Government Award. For more than 30 years, the Innovations Award has recognized public-sector programs that make American government more efficient and effective at addressing social problems and providing access to the public. In 2020, the award program sought out exemplary models of innovation addressing and promoting economic opportunity for all. The case study about BenePhilly was published in January 2022.
Using highly targeted outreach and enrollment assistance, and in collaboration with community-based organizations, BenePhilly connects people with critical benefits such as food, housing and health care. The program has helped more than 125,000 Philadelphia residents secure over $1.6 billion in benefits as of January 2021. Award finalists were chosen by policy experts, researchers, and practitioners based on program effectiveness, significance, and their impact on social and economic mobility. BDT is extremely proud to be recognized alongside many other impactful organizations that are working to strengthen economic opportunities and increasing the wellbeing of all Americans.
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