Why policymakers must consider housing needs in addressing children’s health disparities
The Children’s Defense Fund is fighting to make
sure every child in America has what they need to thrive.
CDF Freedom Schools® Banned Books We Love
March is National Reading Month! Enjoy these beloved CDF Freedom Schools books, which are banned in schools and libraries around the country.
Register now for 2023 Proctor Institute
Join us July 17–20 on CDF Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, for the 29th Annual Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry.
CDF Freedom Schools® in D.C. is Hiring!
Now accepting applications for Servant Leaders and Site Coordinators at our 2023 CDF Freedom Schools summer program in Washington, D.C.
CDF-Ohio Testifies to Oppose Senate Bill 1
Senate Bill 1 seeks to reform the State Board of Education and its functions and educational responsibilities.
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.
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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