Children First Fund

Happy First Day of School to Chicago Public Schools students, families, and educators!

We’re proud to work alongside CPS to support strong learning environments and expand opportunities for students across the city.

Have a fantastic first day!

We love seeing this vibrant new staff space at Mollison Elementary, made possible by Target!

Investing in student success means supporting the educators who show up for them every day. Corporate partnerships like this play a vital role in bringing continuous, tangible progress into Chicago’s schools.

Chicago’s public schools are the heart of our communities. As a new school year begins, every student deserves a fresh start, equipped with the tools and stability they need to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.

Through Children First Fund, your support reaches students directly. Working on the ground alongside Chicago Public Schools educators and school leaders every day, we align giving with high-impact priorities. From delivering immediate classroom supplies to responsive funds for emergent needs.

Provide support to students so they can show up ready to learn: https://childrenfirstfund.org/back-to-school/

Back-to-School - Children First Fund Opportunities for groups and individuals to support Chicago Public Schools through volunteering.

As a new school year approaches, our principals and teachers across Chicago are getting classrooms and lesson plans ready for a strong start.

When students show up equipped with essential school supplies and everyday hygiene items they have the foundation to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and dreaming BIG.

Through Children First Fund, your support strengthens classroom environments from day one, and provides year-round stability for Chicago Public Schools students and families whenever emergent needs arise.

Help power progress in local schools and support Chicago’s students this school year: https://childrenfirstfund.org/back-to-school/

This school year, Chicago Public Schools is encouraging every student across our city to DREAM BIG.

Turning student ambitions into reality takes coordinated, year-round support. Through Children First Fund, your gift strengthens classroom readiness and provides direct family stability whenever emergent needs arise.

Invest in Chicago’s students and help power progress in schools today: https://childrenfirstfund.org/back-to-school/



https://youtu.be/wtyoLusg_Ds?si=t53-T-9tXhGwAS2j

Dream Big at Chicago Public Schools | School starts Monday, August 24, 2026! Get ready for the upcoming 2026-27 SY by visiting cps.edu/b2s

Thank you to Bridgestone Americas for awarding Children First Fund a grant to expand adaptive sports programming across Chicago Public Schools!

With this support, we are breaking down barriers to athletic participation and ensuring students with disabilities across CPS have the dedicated equipment and programming they need to thrive. Every student deserves a rightful presence and the opportunity to participate fully, both on and off the field.

We are proud to partner with Bridgestone to advance equitable access for youth sports nationwide! Read the full announcement below.

🔗 https://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026/bridgestone-awards-adaptive-sports-grants #

This July marks 30 years since Children First Fund was established as the official foundation for Chicago Public Schools! ✨

As we reach this milestone, we are incredibly grateful to the philanthropic, corporate, and civic partners who have united with us over three decades to drive innovation and deliver targeted investments directly into our classrooms.

To match the vibrant potential of the students we serve, CFF is moving toward our future with a refreshed visual identity.

Our new look is a reflection of our deep, unwavering commitment to student success, a distinct Chicago footprint, and a constant presence within the educational landscape.

As we look ahead, we are excited to expand our partnerships to support continued growth in the areas of academic success, student engagement and support, and college and career pathways.

Explore our fresh look and see how you can partner with us on our newly updated website: https://childrenfirstfund.org/

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the four exceptional Chicago Public Schools seniors awarded this year’s James Dyson Foundation Innovator Scholarship! Funded by the philanthropic arm of Dyson, this one-time $2,500 award is built to empower tomorrow's creators, helping them navigate college fees as they pursue careers in technology and innovation.

We are grateful for partnering organizations that encourage students to think differently and unleash their full potential. Congratulations to our recipients, we cannot wait to see how you shape the future! 🚀