Just released: The State of America’s Children® 2021
The Children’s Defense Fund is fighting to make
sure every child in America has what they need to thrive.
What the American Rescue Plan means for children and families
Answers to common questions about the 2021 American Rescue Plan and child allowance.
365 Days of Impact
How the CDF community helped children reach their full potential in 2020.
The case for permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit
The one-year expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) is projected to cut child poverty nearly in half. Read more about CDF’s recommendation to expand the CTC.
COVID-19 Resources for Families
Find the tools and information you need to keep your family safe and secure.
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®
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