Children's Defense Fund

After four decades of advocacy, we know that changing the system to better serve our children takes time—and there are children across America who need help now. So we run programs that change the odds for children like CDF Freedom Schools®, which reach more than 12,000 children every year, empowering them to excel today and make a difference tomorrow. And because our Freedom Schools are staffed primarily by college students of color, we’re building two generations of change-makers at the same time.

For more than 40 years, the Children’s Defense Fund has been fiercely independent and unwavering in our defense against any attack on children. We continue to work every day, at every level and on behalf of every child to improve their lives right now and for generations to come.

Join us in the relentless fight to lift children out of poverty, protect them from violence, and ensure they have the opportunities they need to thrive and succeed. Our Children's Crisis Fund will help sustain and expand our work in advocacy, community-based programs and social justice.

CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individual donations, foundation, corporate and governement grants.