Something new is coming!

Drag above for a sneak peek.

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.

Summer 2021 with CDF Freedom Schools

It’s a movement, a family, and a celebration.

Learn More

27th annual CDF Proctor Institute

Join us: From July 19-22, 2021, this year’s CDF Proctor Institute will again be held virtually to ensure it is safe for all.

Join Us

Donate in Honor of a Graduate

Honor an exceptional graduate with a gift to help give every child in America the chance to pursue their dreams.

Make a Gift

Report: The State of America’s Children® 2021

Our recent report and factsheets provide an overview of how children are faring to improve policies to ensure no child is left behind.

Explore the report

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.

Donate Monthly

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.

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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.

Invest in Children

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.

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CDF Freedom Schools®

More than 150,000 children have experienced our transformative literacy and cultural enrichment program. Join the CDF Freedom Schools® movement.

Join the 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.

Read Child Watch

“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

Our Impact