We believe it is possible to live in a world where young children, their families, and their communities have everything they need to thrive.
At a time when children’s well-being is more precarious than ever, we have raised $10 million to resource the grassroots community leaders and organizations who are transforming the lives of young children.
We reimagine an entire ecosystem that is well resourced because in order for our children to be successful, so do families and whole communities.
Our Vision
We envision a world where all young children (from prenatal to five years old), their families, and communities thrive and flourish together, laying a foundation for societal equity. We know that children do not thrive in isolation. This means children have access to high-quality education, healthcare, safe housing, nutritious food, and safety net services.
What This Will Take
This will take powerful and connected communities adopting an intersectional and holistic framework to break systemic barriers and promote equity for young children and their families.
Read Our First Evaluation Report
Ten organizations and one year of what trust-based funding makes possible.
One organization grew from $0 to $1M+. Another reached 30,000 people. This is what happens when you fund the full ecosystem. See what happened in the new "The Bold Way" RJEF Year 1 Evaluation Report.
The Paradigm Shift
ENVIRONMENT
Regardless of where they live, whether urban or rural, families deserve to live in environments that support their heath, safety, and well-being. This includes:
- Safe, stable, and affordable housing
- Clean air and water
- Reliable and affordable transportation
- Climate protections
- Equitable access to green spaces, parks, and other built environment resources
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
Children and families deserve the stability and resources to thrive, including:
- Good jobs with livable wages and excellent working conditions
- Good and dignified jobs
- Guaranteed income and other strategies that provide financial stability and autonomy
- Food Security
- Affordable, high quality physical and mental healthcare
- Affordable and quality early care and education
- Caregiving support and safety net services
- Community-led systems that reimagine capital and infrastructure to serve the people
SELF-DETERMINATION
Children, their families, and their communities should be able to:
- Shape the policies that affect their lives
- Assert their rights and identities
- Access and participate in the democratic process-including voting, advocacy, and leadership
AFFIRMING IDENTITIES
All children and families deserve to grow up in communities that:
- Embrace their culture, language, race, gender, sexuality, and disability
- Recognize and honor all family structures and sources of connection and support
How We Win
Grantmaking
Fundraising
New Approach to Philanthropy
Our Funders
Our Grantees
