About UNICEF USA

UNICEF USA is an independent, charitable organization that rallies the American public to support the most vulnerable children, wherever they live.

Our Vision

To ensure that every child is Healthy, Educated, Protected and Respected.

Our Mission

To relentlessly pursue a more equitable world for every child.

We Value

Children — and Their Rights

Children are at the center of all we do. We partner with them to uphold their rights, elevate their voices and build the world we share and the one they will inherit.
Big Thinking, Bold Action

The world’s problems require bold solutions. We are creative and curious, smart and strategic, disciplined and driven to deliver real change for children.
The Power of We

Changing the world takes all of us. We build strong teams and partnerships by valuing all perspectives, listening, learning and caring for one another.

UNICEF USA Through the Years

A collage of three overlapping photographs: George Harrison in concert, UNICEF and Pepsi-Cola's It's a Small World ride at the World's Fair, and a black and white photo of kids trick-or-treating.

UNICEF does not endorse any brand, company, product or service.

Black and white photo of unattended baby looking wary, bundled in winter clothing and on the ground next to piles of belongings and a sign reading '12', among adults milling about a city square.

1946

Putting children’s needs on the map

The United Nations International Child Emergency Fund (UNICEF) forms in the aftermath of the Second World War to provide food and healthcare to children and mothers. Later, its mission is expanded, and its name is shortened to the United Nations Children’s Fund.

1947

UNICEF USA founded to champion children’s rights

Independent of the United Nations, UNICEF USA raises private sector funds, promotes children’s rights and rallies Americans to support the next generation. Known then as the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, it was the first of 33 National Committees around the world. It was co-founded by Helenka Pantaleoni, who served as its volunteer president from 1953 to 1978.

Black and white photo of woman distributing coins to children in costumes holding Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF coin collection boxes.

1950

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF carves out a place in Halloween tradition

A Philadelphia family inspires local children to help others while trick-or-treating. The original Kids Helping Kids campaign in 1950 brought in $17 and quickly expanded across the U.S. — raising $200 million and still going strong today!

A group of children and adults lauhging and smiling at Danny Kaye, who performs in front of them wearing a tiny hat, making a funny face for the crowd.

1954

American icons help spread joy and important messages

Beloved American entertainer Danny Kaye becomes the first UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, kicking off an enduring tradition of extraordinary individuals volunteering their time and talent to raise awareness and support for humanitarian causes.

Entrance to Walt Disney’s ‘it’s a small world’ attraction at the World’s Fair. Over a cartoony cityscape sculpture, various midcentury modern fonts spell out 'Pepsi-Cola presents Walt Disney's 'it's a small world,' a salute to UNICEF and all the world's children.’

With permission from © Bill Cotter

1964

“It’s a Small World” launches at New York World’s Fair

More than 10 million passengers total take a boat ride in the UNICEF pavilion, passing animatronic children in clothing specific to various cultures and countries. The attraction and its infectious theme song prove so popular that Disney moves the ride to a permanent home at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, and eventually installs versions of the ride in its many theme parks.

“Now, therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, in honor of this great humanitarian enterprise, do hereby proclaim October 31, 1967, and October 31 in each subsequent year, as National UNICEF Day.” President Lyndon B. Johnson

1967

National UNICEF Day declared in the U.S.

President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaims October 31 National UNICEF Day, and urges, “I hope that the American people, and the peoples of all countries, will continue to support UNICEF to the limits of their ability, both through their private efforts and through their governments.”

George Harrison, with shoulder-length hair and bushy beard, in a white suit playing a white guitar and singing in front of other musicians on stage.

1971

The Concert for Bangladesh rocks the Garden

George Harrison organizes two sold-out concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971, to raise global attention and funds for East Pakistani refugees in India. The shows feature fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar and many more. The concert’s proceeds and three-hour recording have generated millions for UNICEF. And the event became the blueprint for massive benefit concerts for humanitarian causes.

Three women stand with Danny Kaye behind a large banner reading ‘Zonta International’ and hold an oversized $516,000 check from Zonta to UNICEF.

1972

Private sector calls for children’s rights

Zonta International becomes a UNICEF USA partner, supporting women and children, starting a mobile clinic in Ghana. In 2018, Zonta becomes the first and only private sector partner to contribute to the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, promoting girls’ rights to education and opportunity.

Abba’s four members dressed in black, singing into microphones on stage in front of a dark background.

©UNICEF/UNI832232/Grant

1979

Pop royalty broadcast support for world’s children

At the height of the Seventies disco craze, the stars come out for Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song. The benefit was broadcast across the U.S. and around the world and included performances by ABBA, the Bee Gees, Kris Kristofferson, John Denver, Rod Stewart, Donna Summer and other pop luminaries, many of whom donated performance royalties to UNICEF. (Image is from the UN archive, unretouched, and cannot be downloaded)

Nancy Reagan and Cicely Tyson kneel on either side of a child wearing a clown costume and holding a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection box.

1983

"The American people have always been in the vanguard of support for children’s health and well-being." President Ronald W. Reagan, Statement on the United Nations Children’s Fund

A woman gently squeezes a girl’s mouth open while holding a medicine dropper over her mouth.

1988

Partnering to end polio for good

Rotary International and UNICEF form the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership to eradicate polio through vaccination. Polio, a highly infectious virus, primarily afflicts children under 5 and can cause paralysis and death. As of 2025, the wild poliovirus is found in only two countries — but can resurge if vaccination efforts stall.

A group of smiling young girls standing in a circle stack their hands in the center. They are joined by a laughing Audrey Hepburn.

1988

Audrey Hepburn accepts the role of a lifetime: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

The film icon uses her worldwide profile to spotlight the plight of suffering children. Hepburn was deeply devoted to children and inspired by her own experience as a child who received food and medicine from UNICEF in post-WW II Holland. She spoke before the U.S. Congress in 1991 and, in 1992, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S.

A young girl guiding an older woman by the hand past a seated wpam amd cooking equipment in an outdoor marketplace.

1991

Saving eyesight through in-kind support

Pharmaceutical giant Merck begins donating Mectizan to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, a drug that fights the microscopic worm that causes river blindness (onchocerciasis), to all who need it. The program leverages UNICEF Supply Division’s unparalleled capacity to deliver essential supplies to some of the most remote areas on the planet.

A smiling woman wearing a t-shirt that reads ‘American Airlines Giving’ kneels beside a smiling young girl who is wearing a school uniform in a classroom full of children.

1994

Spare change propels lifesaving programs

American Airlines flight attendants volunteer to join UNICEF’s Change for Good program, which began in 1987, and collect change from international flight passengers for UNICEF’s work. Known as Champions for Children, some AA employees have visited UNICEF projects to witness the donated funds’ impact firsthand.

Eight high school UNICEF Club members smile and pose in a school gym, wearing matching t-shirts that read ‘World’s Children Day, UNICEF’

1999

Driven young Americans join the first UNICEF Club

UNICEF Clubs are now a youth-led grassroots movement in more than 750 high schools and colleges. American students serve as a voice for children everywhere and gain valuable leadership and service experience.

Twitter post from Bill Gates, on February 26, 2017, reading ‘People ask us all the time how they can help in the fight against child mortality – and we are always proud to recommend making a donation to UNICEF, an organization that is successful at serving familes and children worldwide. We hope your gift will help inspire others to get involved as well.’

2000

Philanthropic partnerships drive transformational change

The Gates Foundation selects The U.S. Fund for UNICEF as an early grantee. Vaccination, nutrition and maternal, newborn child health programs become areas of focus throughout the long partnership, which continues with the Gates Foundation today.

A smiling female aid worker holds her hand toward an infant who reaches a hand to her while being held by its mother. In the foreground, there are infant hygiene products on a table.

2001

First five years critical to positive child development

Through a combination of grants, brand interactions and campaigns, Kimberly-Clark funds UNICEF’s work to strengthen maternal, neonatal and menstrual health systems; train parents in early childhood development; empower women and adolescent girls through menstrual health and hygiene education; and has provided access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

An infant in a mother’s arms eats from a sachet of ready-to-use-therapeutic food.

2006

U.S. companies help place hope into starving children’s hands

U.S. small businesses Edesia, a Rhode Island company, and Mana, in Georgia, begin producing lifesaving ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in 2006 and 2009, respectively. The manufacturers strengthen the U.S. economy by sourcing from farmers and suppliers nationwide. UNICEF procures 80 percent of RUTF, reaching millions of children every year.

A young child looks into the face of a kneeling woman wearing a UNICEF t-shirt. Behind them is a crowd of chidlren and UNICEF workers.

2009

Young leaders drive change with creativity and commitment

NextGen, a program co-founded by Jenna Bush Hager and others, engages and inspires young adult leaders to make philanthropic practices routine and use their influence to drive transformational change for generations to come.

A woman wearing a head covering holds an infant while two female health workers inject a vaccine into the infant’s upper arm. Behind them several women stand watching and holding cellphones up to record.

2013

When humanitarian missions align

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints collaborates with UNICEF to strengthen health systems, improve education and keep mothers and children healthy and safe. Among 30+ initiatives, the Church supports vaccination campaigns to end maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), which kills tens of thousands of infants every year. Only 10 countries have yet to eliminate MNT.

A group of adults and adolescents hold a plaque and banner, which reads 'Houston, the 1st Child Friendly City in the United States of America,’ at Houston City Hall.

2020

UNICEF Child-Friendly City Initiative launches in U.S.

The UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative selects first cohort of U.S. candidates. The program helps municipal governments prioritize the best interests of children and youth in policies, programs and decisions, empowering them to be active citizens. In 2023, the City of Houston is the first city in the U.S. to be officially recognized.

A man in UNICEF vest, helmet and plastic face shield standing near the open cargo hold of a plane, watching boxes being loaded into the hold.

2021

UNICEF leads global COVID vaccine distribution

Building on decades of infrastructure and experience, UNICEF is tasked with delivering COVID vaccines as part of COVAX. Support for UNICEF swells as the world responds, leading to UNICEF USA’s largest fundraising year ever.

Today

UNICEF USA continues to rally support for children

With supporters, donors, club members, partners and collaborators across all 50 states, UNICEF USA continues its relentless pursuit of a better world for children. Its 300+ staff members work to ensure that every child, everywhere is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

UNICEF USA Through the Years

UNICEF does not endorse any brand, company, product or service.

“Now, therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, in honor of this great humanitarian enterprise, do hereby proclaim October 31, 1967, and October 31 in each subsequent year, as National UNICEF Day.” President Lyndon B. Johnson

Delivering lasting impact for children

For eight decades, UNICEF USA has partnered with American corporations, faith-based and civil society organizations, individuals, philanthropic foundations, and government agencies to deliver critical nutrition, health, education and lifesaving humanitarian aid for children.

Americans invested in children’s futures

UNICEF USA works alongside the American people and U.S. government to invest in programs that make life better for children. In 2023, UNICEF USA raised more than $850 million in contributions from hundreds of thousands of individual and corporate donors from across America in addition to the U.S. government’s voluntary contribution to UNICEF. Domestic and international research has found a $1 investment in children and their wellbeing yields a tenfold return to society.

UNICEF USA supports UNICEF’s status as the world’s leading voice for children. We advocate for policies that improve outcomes for children globally while making America safer, stronger and more prosperous. In fact, in 2024 alone, UNICEF procured $770 million of therapeutic food, medicine and other critical supplies and services from U.S. companies across 37 states.

Mobilizing private sector partners and capital markets

UNICEF USA is profoundly grateful to have many steadfast U.S.-based partners who invest and innovate with us to serve vulnerable children. In life-threatening emergencies, private sector contributions enable UNICEF to respond rapidly. Over the long term, our partners’ involvement reinforces the connection between our humanitarian and development work. Private partnerships supply immense resources to address systemic inequities, stimulate national capacity-building, implement and scale up data-driven solutions and access digital and technological advances.

In return, UNICEF USA aims to support our partners’ business goals by creating new pathways and opportunities for collaboration. One example of this approach is UNICEF USA’s Impact Fund for Children (IF4C). The IF4C develops and implements financial solutions for social impact investors seeking to make a difference in children’s survival and development. The IF4C complements other philanthropic efforts by leveraging new financial structures or existing structures in novel ways to put additional capital to work for children.

Advocacy

UNICEF USA’s Advocacy team, based in Washington, D.C., speaks on behalf of children from a nonpartisan position – urging decision-makers in government and other sectors to implement policies and budgets that support and empower children.

UNICEF USA also maintains a state and local advocacy team to influence and advocate for child-respecting government policies in civil society. We operate from an integrated global-to-local domestic strategy – informed by data, local decision-makers and the voices of young Americans and future leaders – to prioritize opportunities in which UNICEF USA can make the most impact for children.

Visit the UNICEF USA Action Center to join current advocacy campaigns. Together, we can remind Congress that building a safer and more prosperous future for children is critical here at home and around the world.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF – An American tradition

The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign has inspired generations of children to participate in an iconic event that has strengthened American communities for 75 years and raised nearly $200 million to date.

Campaign donations become flexible funding that allows UNICEF to respond swiftly to the greatest need. Ninety percent goes directly to programs that provide essentials like education, safe water and routine vaccinations against deadly but preventable diseases.

Child-centered U.S. business practices

UNICEF USA provides research-backed guidance and tools for U.S. companies seeking to understand child rights regulations and standards. One area of focus is the prevention and mitigation of hazardous child labor in the U.S. supply chain.

Child labor is a cause and consequence of broader child rights violations – and a growing problem in our country. UNICEF USA is uniquely positioned to call attention to the practice through our connections with U.S. businesses, investors, policymakers and media.

Tackling child labor violations aligns with the child-lens investing (CLI) strategy which asserts that all investment impacts children, directly or indirectly. In 2023, UNICEF and UNICEF USA’s Impact Fund for Children launched a Child-lens Investing Framework to help investors evaluate intentional and unintentional consequences of their choices for children.

Read our report, “Invisible Hands: Child-Centered Solutions to Address Child Labor in the U.S.”.

UNICEF USA’s Community Alliance for Child Rights

UNICEF USA’s Community Alliance for Child Rights works to improve children’s wellbeing here in the U.S. as part of our mission to build a more equitable future for young people worldwide.

UNICEF USA believes children should have a voice and role in shaping the future for themselves and their communities. Alliance participants include adult allies, civil society, local, state and federal governments and private sector partners committed to protecting children’s rights.

History of U.S. support for UNICEF

The U.S. has been integral to UNICEF’s growth and global impact, including the creation of UNICEF USA, the first of 33 National Committees, each established as an independent local non-governmental organization. UNICEF USA support is helping UNICEF develop smarter, more cost-effective solutions, scale up proven, data-driven programs, and harness new technologies, like AI, to create measurable change for children.

UNICEF USA uses donations responsibly and efficiently

Of every dollar UNICEF USA receives, 86 cents goes toward helping children. We spend about 12 cents on fundraising costs, and 2 cents on administration. As a result, UNICEF USA is consistently the top National Committee directing funding toward UNICEF’s work for children. A detailed breakdown can be found in the annual report.

UNICEF USA has received top ratings from multiple independent monitors, reflecting our commitment to transparency and accountability around our financials and impact. These include:

GuideStar's Platinum Seal of Transparency (highest rating)
Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator (highest rating)
CharityWatch's list of Top-Rated Charities
GlobalGiving Superstar

About UNICEF USA

Our Vision

Our Mission

We Value

Children — and Their Rights

Big Thinking, Bold Action

The Power of We

UNICEF USA Through the Years

Putting children’s needs on the map

UNICEF USA founded to champion children’s rights

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF carves out a place in Halloween tradition

American icons help spread joy and important messages

“It’s a Small World” launches at New York World’s Fair

National UNICEF Day declared in the U.S.

The Concert for Bangladesh rocks the Garden

Private sector calls for children’s rights

Pop royalty broadcast support for world’s children

Partnering to end polio for good

Audrey Hepburn accepts the role of a lifetime: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Saving eyesight through in-kind support

Spare change propels lifesaving programs

Driven young Americans join the first UNICEF Club

Philanthropic partnerships drive transformational change

First five years critical to positive child development

U.S. companies help place hope into starving children’s hands

Young leaders drive change with creativity and commitment

When humanitarian missions align

UNICEF Child-Friendly City Initiative launches in U.S.

UNICEF leads global COVID vaccine distribution

UNICEF USA continues to rally support for children

UNICEF USA Through the Years

Delivering lasting impact for children

Americans invested in children’s futures

Mobilizing private sector partners and capital markets

Advocacy

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF – An American tradition

Child-centered U.S. business practices

UNICEF USA’s Community Alliance for Child Rights

History of U.S. support for UNICEF

UNICEF USA uses donations responsibly and efficiently