Our immigration system is failing children and families
The Children’s Defense Fund is fighting to make
sure every child in America has what they need to thrive.
Newsweek op-ed: Make the CTC expansion permanent
Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson’s co-authored Newsweek op-ed on the government’s obligation to permanently expand the Child Tax Credit.
Resources and FAQs: Child Tax Credit
What you need to know about the CTC expansion and what it means for your family.
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.
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.
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