Relatively new to the online scene, the Poetry Foundation evolved from the Modern Poetry Association after receiving a major contribution from philanthropist Ruth Lily. Poetry Foundation president John Barr describes the Foundation as "an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture."

In keeping with the proclamation by Poetry magazine founder Harriet Monroe that "This art, like every other, is not a miracle of direct creation, but a reciprocal relation between the artist and his public," the Poetry Foundation's website strives "to represent all forms of poetry, using every means possible to broaden the audience." The site offers audio recordings of contemporary and classic poets as well as select poem texts from the back issues of Poetry.

The site also features interviews, criticism, reading guides, event listings, and poetry-related news, as well as the wisdom, ratings, and raving of various poets in the uncensored, and often humorous "harriet" blog. The site provides a fun-to-use "Poetry Tool" to search for poems, poets, audio and visual material, articles, and children's poetry.