Support CDF’s mission in a community near you. Check out our upcoming events!
Events
We envision a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
About Us
2026 American Youth Policy Forum, powered by CDF
Right after Election Day, advocates convened November 4-5 at Howard University for our annual policy forum featuring policymakers, child advocates, educators, and young people to strategize a brighter future for children, youth, and families together.
Learn more
A National Celebration of Joy 2026
CDF hosted our signature fundraising event celebrating the people, partnerships, and possibilities that make our work on behalf of children and young people possible.
Learn more
The National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths®
Children's Sabbaths engages multifaith places of worship across the country in focusing prayers, worship, education programs, and action on learning more about the urgent problems facing our nation's children.
Learn more
For Our Children Newsletter
Explore our monthly newsletter, "For Our Children," for insights from CDF President & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson on our mission, milestones, and ongoing work to advance justice and well-being for children and youth.
Read the latestRecent News
-
President Must Stop Making Children ‘Targets for Cuts’; Latest Proposal Would Strip More Than Six Million Children of SNAP Benefits
(Nov. 13, 2026) – On Tuesday, the Trump administration proposed ending “Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility,” which lets states provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to families who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash assistance.…
-
Defending the Whole Child: CDF-Ohio Policy Webinar Series Launches Monday to Promote Discussion Around Child Well-Being
(Nov. 6, 2026) – The webinars are designed to give parents, students, community members, and local leaders an in-depth opportunity to discuss the critical factors shaping children’s development.…
-
Children’s Defense Fund-New York, Partners to Host Town Halls in Rochester, Schenectady on Child and Family Well-Being Fund
(Nov. 6, 2026) – CDF-NY calls for $30 million state investment to support children and families across ten high-need communities.…
-
MN Senator-elect Peggy Flanagan, Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, & Gospel Artist Geoffrey Golden to Attend CDF’s Celebration of Joy
(Nov. 4, 2026) – The trio will join Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) in Washington, D.C., for A National Celebration of Joy. The organization’s signature fundraising event honors the people, partnerships, and possibilities driving its work for children and youth.…
Enroll Your Scholar
Find a CDF Freedom Schools® Site
At CDF Freedom Schools, we’re not just educating. We’re nurturing lifelong learners and advocates for progress. We’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow where we celebrate every young person’s potential, and affirming their impact on the world is profound. Find a CDF Freedom Schools site near you.
Find a Site
Subscribe to “For Our Children”
Sign up to receive the monthly column by Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.
SubscribeFor Our Children
CDF’s President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, shares insights, challenges, and hopes for the future in “For Our Children.” Delve into a unique narrative that guides our mission, celebrates milestones, and navigates the journey toward a brighter tomorrow. Explore now for an inside connection to our vision—where the story of our commitment to children and youth unfolds.
Read the Latest