Our Strategic Framework

In 2023, the Foundation for Child Development began a journey to reimagine our role as a social justice funder for young children. Our work is guided by five core principles:

  1. Center children marginalized by racism, xenophobia, and economic inequality
  2. Work at the nexus of research, policy, and community
  3. Take a clear-eyed view of history and learn from it
  4. Navigate our journey through inclusive dialogue
  5. Act with respect and care for relationships

In 2025, we formalized this direction with a Strategic Framework that defines our priorities and goals. We embrace an emergent learning approach — acknowledging complexity, adapting as circumstances change, and learning with grantees and communities. Our goal isn’t to be right from the start, but to grow smarter over time while remaining firmly committed to social justice for children.

At the heart of our work are children and families marginalized by systemic injustice. While we recognize the harm caused by structural racism, persistent xenophobia, and economic inequality, we also honor the agency, resilience, and collective power of communities.

Our Priorities and Goals

Through grantmaking, communications, and organizing, we work to align research, policy, and philanthropy with community priorities.

graphich that outlines the strategic message posted below

Our vision of child policy goes beyond traditional areas like child care, education, and maternal health. It also includes policies with deep impacts on children, such as immigration, public benefits, and healthcare.

Specifically, we seek to:

icon of a paper with a magnifying glass Bridging research with social movements to ensure that communities can shape research agendas, which are too often set by funders and researchers for them but not with them, thus constraining the opportunity for research to serve communities in ways that fit the goals and interests they have for their own children and families.
icon of the capitol building with a blue background Connect organizing with state and federal policy to advance child policy agendas that reflect the lived experiences and aspirations of families and communities. As with the research sector, the policy sector too often sets agendas for communities. Building the power of those most affected by injustice would enable better policies.
icon of people speaking with conversation bubbles over their head with yellow background Organize philanthropy to advance social justice for young children so that funding aligns with what communities say they need for their children to thrive.

This framework is not a static plan but a living commitment. By connecting research, organizing, policy, and philanthropy with the communities they serve, we deepen partnerships and continue to learn. Through this work our vision remains clear: a world where every child can thrive, and where families have the power to shape the systems that affect their lives.

To dive deeper into how we developed our strategic framework and the thinking behind it, explore the full story on our blog.