About Us
The mission of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy
Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in
life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring
families and communities.
CDF provides a strong effective voice
for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for
themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and
minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation
about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments
before they get sick, into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer
family breakdown.
CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit
organization supported by foundation and corporate grants and
individual donations. We have never taken government funds. In 1985,
CDF established its St. Paul office to direct its efforts in Minnesota.