Founded in 1973 by civil rights attorney Marian Wright Edelman, CDF, through its Washington, DC and regional offices, is the chief “advocate for the rights of children, with special emphasis on ... poor and minority children.” It is funded by corporate, foundation, and individual donors.

Its work is crucial. In the 1980s, for example, it campaigned against teen pregnancy. With half of all black children born out of wedlock alone, Edelman warned that future generations could live in poverty. CDF sponsored radio, television, newspaper, and billboard ads informing teens not only on the health risks of sexual relations but also why they must stay in school and graduate. Ads sidestepped abortion politics by stressing prevention. CDF also initiated the Dodd–Miller Act to Leave No Child Behind (2001). Today, its advocacy continues on behalf of Head Start, Healthy Start, Families First, and Freedom Schools, among other programs.