$6.1M in expenses

Early childhood advocacy and policy: the first few years of life are critical for human development as the building blocks for lifelong learning, economic productivity, health and wellbeing, and positive relationships are formed during this early childhood developmental period. The fund works with local and national organizations to improve conditions for young children (birth through age eight) and their families by advancing equity-driven public policies and systemic change. The fund has awarded funding to organizations that explicitly advocate for increased public investments in early childhood programs and services, with attention to historically marginalized populations and communities.

$4.0M in expenses

Innovation fund: while the primary focus of CEF is to advance positive outcomes for early childhood, the organization acknowledges the importance of a healthy democracy and robust civic engagement to create lasting systems change. The innovation fund aims to address systemic disenfranchisement of people of color around the country. CEF engages policy and advocacy partners to increase public turnout to voting and to educate voters about how policy positions impact young children and their families. Partners in this space work with local community leaders and volunteers to empower and educate voters about their rights and voting options.