Step forward for children

Childrens Defense Fund

Children's Defense Fund

For 35 years the Children's Defense Fund has been the nation’s strongest voice for all children in America ... We believe that every step we take to improve the lives of children improves the lives of all of us. Please join us October 6, 2008, at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C., for a star-studded evening to celebrate 35 years of accomplishments.
Learn More

An Inspiring Call to Action from CDF President Marian Wright Edelman

The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So SmallCDF President Marian Wright Edelman will release her new book, The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation, in September 2008. Mrs. Edelman's new book will be a look at what's been done and what still needs to be done to make our world safe and fair for all children. Sign up to receive an email notification when the book is available for purchase.

View All Stories

Take Action Now!

Why Donate

Your generous gift will help the Children's Defense Fund continue to be a strong, effective voice for all children in America through:

  • Ensuring child health coverage
  • Dismantling the Pipeline to prison
  • Awarding scholarship for college
  • Providing after school reading enrichment

support_donate_now.jpg

Our Initiatives

Child Health

Child Health

One in eight children in America is uninsured that’s more than nine million children!

Cradle to Prison

Cradle to Prison Pipeline® Campaign

A Black boy born in 2001 has a one in three chance of going to prison during his lifetime, a Latino boy has one in six.

Beat the Odds

Beat the Odds® Program

CDF’s Beat the Odds program provides college scholarships to young people who have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives.

Freedom Schools

CDF Freedom Schools® Program

Since 1995, more than 65,000 children across the country have benefited from the CDF Freedom Schools program.

Our Partners

support_freddie_mac_logo.jpg

The Freddie Mac Foundation has been an important partner of CDF for more than two decades.