CDF Minnesota
About CF MN

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Our History & Mission


Marian Wright Edelman Children's Defense Fund (CDF) was founded in 1973 by Marian Wright Edelman to provide a strong and effective voice for the children of America, since they cannot vote, hire lobbyists, or speak out for themselves.

The mission of the 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. 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 investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. Using research and data, we work to shape federal, state and local policies that best serves our children's needs in a cost-effective manner.

CDF is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy organization supported by foundations, corporate grants, and individual donations. As an independent voice for children, CDF does not accept government funds.

CDF Minnesota began its work in 1985. We have made our mark by leading efforts to:

  • Ensure That All Minnesota Children Have Health Care Coverage and access to preventative health care services

  • Compile Statewide And County-By-County Data on the well-being of Minnesota’s children and families and make it readily accessible to the public

  • Analyze State Spending And Budgeting in light of its commitment to improving the lives of Minnesota’s children and families

  • Help Frame State Policy Debates to consider the well-being of children in all public decision making

  • Help Launch Ready 4 K, a statewide campaign for affordable, quality childcare and early childhood services for all of Minnesota’s children

The National Children's Defense Fund is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and maintains offices also in California (Los Angeles, Oakland), Mississippi (Jackson), New York (Albany, Long Island, New York City), Ohio (Cincinnati, Columbus), South Carolina (Bennettsville) and Texas (Austin, Houston, Rio Grande).




More Information

Call us at 651.227.6121 or contact CDF Minnesota:

CDF Minnesota Staff

CDF Minnesota
E-Mail


CDF Minnesota Advisory Board


Annual Reports
   2002
   2001
   2000
   1999

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