https://www.fcd-us.org/foundation-for-child-development-awards-1-3-million-in-new-grants-to-advance-the-well-being-of-young-children/
New grants further the Foundation’s commitment to supporting community-driven advocacy and organizing efforts to improve the well-being of young children
New York, NY — The Foundation for Child Development (FCD) announces $1.93 million in new grants. The grants support a range of key actors in an ecosystem of organizing and advocacy efforts that are critical for pushing forward social change agendas and elevating the lived experiences of families and children, especially those marginalized by racism, xenophobia, and economic inequality.
“We are at a pivotal moment, characterized by complex social and political landscapes that bring both significant challenges and unique opportunities,” said Dr. Vivian Tseng, president and CEO of the Foundation for Child Development. “Drawing on the wisdom and experience of national, state, and community activists, as highlighted in Cutting Child Poverty in Half and More: Pandemic-Era Lessons from Child and Family Advocates and Organizers, we’ve gained valuable insights into what it takes to transform policy and tackle inequities across family income, race, and immigration backgrounds. These grants build on those insights by seeking to support and strengthen partnerships across grassroots organizing and advocacy at both state and federal levels, with a focus on the needs and opportunities of families and young children marginalized by injustice.
At the same time, we recognize that transformative work requires time, resources, and support, and the process is neither linear nor straightforward, especially when meaningful change feels distant. As we continue exploring and deepening our focus on social justice priorities and how the Foundation can support efforts underway that center young children and their families, we also aim to hold space, so that we can learn and evolve in dialogue and collaboration with others, as we move forward on our journey reaching for a more just society for all young children.”
The Foundation awarded three grants to support the organizing and advocacy ecosystem focused on advancing policy change that centers young children and their families. Among these grantees, the Foundation awarded a two-year, $500,000 grant to the Care for All with Respect and Equity (CARE) Fund to support its movement-building efforts. The CARE Fund unites advocacy and organizing groups, campaigns, and coalitions across a cross-sectoral care continuum – including early care and education, aging and disability care, and paid family and medical leave – to align on advancing comprehensive, equitable care policies and systems nationally and with a focus on states like New Mexico and Michigan. The CARE Fund’s work is based on the belief that expanded coalitions that engage families, care workers, and allies, can break down often-siloed issues to build a power ecosystem capable of acting on a scale needed to advance ambitious goals and addressing inequities related to racial and immigrant justice.
Aiming to elevate and prioritize the needs and perspectives of immigrant children and their families, FCD awarded a three-year, $450,000 grant to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) for its State Immigration Project. This initiative focuses on advancing inclusive economic, nutrition, and healthcare policies across 15 states, directly addressing the barriers faced by immigrant children and their families to ensure equitable access to essential services.
Additionally, the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Coalition received a three-year, $300,000 grant to strengthen its advocacy on behalf of immigrant families and their children. At a time when immigrant communities face heightened risks, PIF’s work is critical in advancing policies that safeguard immigrant families’ well-being and ensure their children can thrive in safe and supportive environments.
FCD awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) to help establish SRCD’s Child Policy Hub. This grant includes support for SRCD’s inaugural child policy track at its 2025 biennial meeting, which is designed to bridge connections between child development researchers and policymakers, aiming to foster relationships and set a stronger foundation for evidence-based and inclusive policymaking that centers children.
The Foundation also awarded a $30,000 grant to the Guardian to support research for a journalistic series examining social, economic, and racial disparities affecting young children in the United States and elevating the experiences and voices of communities marginalized by injustice.
In addition, the Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to Harvard Graduate School of Education to support a project aimed at protecting faculty members whose work on equity and justice makes them targets of politically motivated attacks. This initiative will gather insights from faculty, administrators, legal scholars, and other stakeholders to develop a support network that ensures scholars can continue their critical work without compromising their well-being.
Finally, as FCD sunsets its Early Care and Education Workforce Initiative, it has awarded a $150,000 grant to Erikson Institute. Under the leadership of its President, Dr. Mariana Souto-Manning, the grant will support Erikson in reassessing its strategies, with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in early childhood education.
These grants reflect FCD’s ongoing dedication to advancing social justice for young children by fostering collaboration, supporting community-driven advocacy and organizing, and remaining adaptable as it learns from the field.
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About the Foundation for Child Development
For over 120 years, we’ve been a foundation for enriching the lives of young children. Operating at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, we seek out fresh ideas to support all children in reaching their full potential. We cultivate collaboration among diverse stakeholders, fund innovative initiatives, and support meaningful change. For more information about the Foundation for Child Development and its grantmaking initiatives, please visit fcd-us.org and follow us on X and LinkedIn.
CONTACT:
JoAnn Hsueh
joann@fcd-us.org