About CDF-Ohio
Founded in 1981, Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect and ensure their access to appropriate and targeted health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. To support children and families in Ohio, CDF-Ohio works to improve healthcare access and health outcomes for children and their families, stop the push out of students from our schools due to zero tolerance school discipline practices, create a juvenile justice system that rehabilitates our youth and reduces recidivism, build a high quality and stable early childhood care and education system, and harness the statewide and national CDF youth and community networks to change the lives of Ohio’s children.
Our Mission
The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
Children’s Defense Fund was founded in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individual donations, foundation, corporate and government grants. CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown.
What We Do
How we’re working to give every child what they need to thrive and become successful adults.
Advance Policies
We advocate for policies that will make a difference in our children’s future.
Serve Children
We lead programs to serve and empower children, families and communities.
Inspire Activism
We provide tools and information for the public to join us in advocating for a better future for today’s children.
What We Do
We’re working to give every child what they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Advance Policies
We advocate for policies that will make a difference in our children’s future.
Serve Children
We lead programs to serve and empower children, families and communities.
Inspire Activism
We provide tools and information for the public to join us in advocating for a better future for today’s children.
Make a Donation
Even a small amount can make a big difference in the lives of children who are struggling.
Stay Connected
Sign up for our newsletter to get important updates, exclusive invitations and breaking news relevant to our cause.
Make a Donation
Even a small amount can make a big difference in the lives of children who are struggling.
Stay Connected
Sign up for our newsletter to get important updates, exclusive invitations and breaking news relevant to our cause.
Community Shares of Mid Ohio Member Nonprofit
Community Shares of Mid-Ohio represents more than 60 charities, allowing employers and their staff to designate their donations to any member charity or group of charities that align with the causes they care about most.
Workplace giving campaigns enable tax-deductible donations through payroll contributions of any dollar amount, from $1 per paycheck and up! This empowers employees to support the member charities of Community Shares and make a meaningful impact in their community. By participating in these campaigns, individuals can contribute to causes they are passionate about, whether it’s environmental conservation, social justice, or any other important issue represented by Community Shares.
Together, through workplace giving, we can create a powerful collective impact and support a diverse range of charities working tirelessly to make a difference in our community. Join us in giving back and making a positive change through workplace giving campaigns.
News & Views
Legislation and policies may change, but our mission never does. Read our most recent press releases to learn the latest.
News & Views
Legislation and policies may change, but our mission never does. Read our most recent press releases to learn the latest.

Lets stay in touch
Join the conversation and share our mission with your network.

Share Your Story
We want to hear about your personal challenges, how you’ve made an impact or about your CDF experience.

Proctor Institute
Learn about our annual event for child advocates to build skills and share success stories.