CDF Mission Statement

Mission:  

The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind^® mission is 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.

Overview: 

Established in 1985, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Minnesota is the only policy organization in the state to focus solely on the needs of children. CDF–Minnesota targets all Minnesota children, particularly children being raised in low-income households who suffer greater barriers to full participation in society as a result of being born into poverty. CDF–Minnesota pays particular attention to the needs of our most vulnerable children — children of color, children from low-income families and children with disabilities.

To achieve its goals, CDF Minnesota conducts research, helps connect families with public work support programs, and educates the community and advocates for effective tax, social and health policies on behalf of the state’s children.

Nationally and locally, CDF is a private nonprofit organization supported by individuals, foundations, and corporate grants. CDF neither seeks nor accepts government funds.

Marion Wright Edelman founded the Children's Defense Fund in 1973 and continues to lead the organization as its president.