Championing lasting change
for children and families

Updates

Our Approach

We’re dedicated to creating a society where all children and families thrive

We seek to create comprehensive policy solutions that combat racial and economic inequities so that families can access the fundamental resources and services they need to thrive.

Together with our partner organizations, CEF focuses on five priority areas:

  • Early
    Learning
  • Mental
    Health
  • Health
  • Family Economic Security
  • Housing
    Stability

Because a healthy democracy and robust civic engagement are essential to bringing about systemic change, we also provide funding to advance voter protection and voter education.



Without deliberate and comprehensive policy change, the legacy of structural and institutional racism will continue. We want to help change that.

Who We Are

Children’s Equity Fund was established in 2019 through a generous donation from the Jane Bainum Trust. CEF’s board is composed of members of the Bainum family and trusted experts.

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Barbara Bainum

    Chair

  • Scott Renschler

    Board

  • Brad Bainum

    Board

  • Roxana Norouzi

    Board

  • Alaina Beverly

    Board

OFFICERS

  • David Daniels

    CEO and President

  • Mae Cheung

    Secretary

  • Michael Brannan

    Treasurer

Our Mission

We champion comprehensive policy changes at the federal, state and local levels to create lasting systems change that improves the well-being of children and families.

Centuries of policy decisions have created injustices that define our society and deeply harm its Black and brown members, leaving millions of young children and their families underserved.

Without deliberate and comprehensive policy change, the legacy of structural and institutional racism will continue. We want to help change that.

Like our sister organization, the Bainum Family Foundation, we work on behalf of children, families, educators and communities to create comprehensive solutions that combat racial and economic inequities and ensure the well-being of all children and families — regardless of who they are, what they look like, where they were born or where they live.

To change these inequitable systems, the people most affected by them must be able to make their voices heard and advocate for their needs. That means ensuring the protection of voting rights and promoting voter education on critical issues, so that no voices are left out.

Real change is possible when we work together. The most effective, sustained policy change occurs when there is broad-based support from people with diverse perspectives and different political affiliations. The Children’s Equity Fund is open to collaborating with individuals and organizations across the political spectrum that are committed to creating meaningful, lasting change for children and families.

Grantee Partners

We support organizations that seek to improve conditions for children and families through policy and systemic change.

We prioritize grantees that have trusted relationships with the communities they serve and/or expertise in advancing policies that are aligned with our focus areas.