Something new is coming!
CDF will soon launch a new website to match our new brand – connecting our bold legacy to our bright future.
Stay tuned!
The Children’s Defense Fund is fighting to make
sure every child in America has what they need to thrive.
50 Years of Children’s Defense Fund
Children’s Defense Fund celebrates five decades of advocacy and impact on behalf of our nation’s children and youth with two-day Child Well-being in America: A National Policy Forum at the historic Howard University, A Celebration of Joy at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the inaugural Marian Wright Edelman Day of Service at locations across Washington, D.C. Enjoy this recap as CDF enters its next 50 years.
2024 NBA HBCU Fellowship Program
Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) was chosen by the NBA Foundation to manage the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program in a three-year partnership that was launched in January 2023. Apply for the 2024 NBA HBCU Fellowship Program cohort today!
CDF Freedom Schools® Banned Books We Love
Quality book are being banned across the country in schools and libraries. We encourage you to enjoy these beloved CDF Freedom Schools books the young people in your life.
Centering Racial Equity in New York Policymaking: The New York City Racial Justice Ballot Proposals
The fight for children happens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Make a monthly gift today to ensure the needs of children remain front and center. With your support, we will continue fighting nonstop to make sure our children’s voices are heard in the halls of power.
Our Work
We fight to make sure every child in America has everything they need to thrive. Fixing America’s systemic inequities begins with our children, so we focus especially on poor children, children of color and those with disabilities.
A Good Investment
Your gift is put to immediate use to help all children, especially our most vulnerable. CDF is highly rated by many organizations, including GuideStar, Charity Navigator, Great Nonprofits, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and America’s Best Charities.
Count me in!
Be a champion for every child. Sign up for updates about how we work to fight for children and ways you can help.
CDF Freedom Schools® Program
More than 150,000 children have experienced our transformative literacy and cultural enrichment program. Join the CDF Freedom Schools® movement.
Child Watch® Column
Our founder and lifelong advocate for disadvantaged Americans, Marian Wright Edelman writes Child Watch®, a weekly column sharing her perspective on current events.
“One ultimate goal [of CDF Freedom Schools] is for kids to actually be excited about learning and see themselves in what they learn and see the power and potential that reading has in their lives.”
—Dr. Lakia M. Scott, Executive Director, Indian Spring Middle School, CDF Freedom Schools site, Waco, TX