Children's Defense Fund has worked relentlessly since 1973 (since 1985 in Minnesota) to ensure a level playing field for all children. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF–Minnesota advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority.

How CDF-Minnesota Helps Children
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Bridge to Benefits
Linking families to public work support programs and tax credits.

Children Ages 0-3: Research to Policy
A rapidly growing body of research is demonstrating the harmful effects of poverty, caregivers’ depression and other negative environments on children’s brain development. Science is also providing policymakers and practitioners with proven approaches for avoiding the unnecessary costs associated with harm in children’s early years. Together with other partners funded by the foundation, CDF-Minnesota will work to improve early childhood outcomes, especially for children most vulnerable developmental harm.

Youth Development & Leadership Training
Our vision is to create a successor generation of servant-leaders who will drive community and national transformations and inspire and make long-term improvements for all children.

Faith-Based Programs
Children's Sabbath, Proctor Institute and Joshua and Deborah Programs were people from all faith backgrounds come together to work on behalf of our nation's children

Cradle to Prison Pipeline
CDF's vision with it's Cradle to Prison Pipeline campaign is to reduce detention and incarceration by increasing preventive supports and services children need, such as access to quality early childhood development and education services and accessible, comprehensive health and mental health coverage