Children's Defense Fund Minnesota

Children Don’t Come in Pieces

“We know that children don’t come in pieces, and that we must work together to ensure that children have the comprehensive support that they need to thrive.” 

— Marian Wright Edelman, Founder of Children’s Defense Fund.

Children deserve to grow up in communities that see and nurture their full brilliance; not in fragments, but as whole human beings with boundless potential. Since 1985, Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota (CDF-MN) has championed child-centered, culturally affirming education and public policy, centering our work around the lived experiences of families. In Minnesota, where more than 60% of Black and Latine children live in low-income households, we focus on designing programs and leadership initiatives that respond to persistent inequities to ensure every child has an equal opportunity to learn, to experience joy, and simply, to be a kid! At a time of instability with public education funding, your support means that much more to sustain environments that lift the voices of parents, caregivers, and youth to shape a brighter future for Minnesota’s children.

---

A Vision for Children

Our vision is for a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive and live joyfully.

---

Making a Difference

Here are some of the ways CDF-MN has been fighting for Minnesota children and families in 2025:

• CDF Freedom Schools® provided over 2,000 scholars at 12 sites in the Twin Cities metro area with joyful, culturally relevant summer and afterschool programs.
• CDF-MN's online Bridge to Benefits tool connected over 20,000 MN families to resources, programs and tax credits that help support family economic stability. 
• CDF-MN worked to educate communities on policy changes that will become effective on January 1, 2026, such as Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).
• CDF-MN engaged parents and caregivers, college-age students, and faith communities, to hear directly from them what their communities need.

Unleash the Joy!

We invite you to join us in this work to ensure all Minnesota children can thrive and are able to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals!

We, and Minnesota's children, thank you for your support.