Through inclusive dialogue, we aim to envision the kind of society we want for our nation’s children and define the Foundation’s role in shaping that future.
Social Justice for Young Children
For 120 years, the Foundation for Child Development has worked to improve the lives of children. In 2023, we continued that journey with a social justice approach to enhancing the lives of children, their families, and communities.
What does it mean to be a social justice funder for young children? It means we understand that power shapes children’s opportunities. We ask who has power, who doesn’t, and how can we build the power of communities marginalized by racism, xenophobia, and economic inequality to transform child policy.
That’s why, as a social justice funder, we center children and their communities in our work. Those most affected by injustice must have the power to shape solutions — whether in policy, research, or philanthropy.
Through our approach, we aim to strengthen the focus on children in social justice spaces and the focus on social justice in child and family policy, all to build towards a future where every child grows up in a more just and equitable world.
Learn more:
Social Justice Conversation Series
A series bridging the realms of early childhood research, child development, and child advocacy with the broader spectrum of immigrant, racial, and economic justice movements.
Strategic Framework
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.