Global Fund For Children

Global Fund for Children (GFC) envisions a future where all children and youth enjoy equal resources and opportunities in society, and live free from violence, discrimination, and exploitation. GFC boldly pursues this vision by partnering with community-based organizations around the world, helping them deepen their impact on the lives of children and youth, and develop their capacity for social change.

30 years ago, a chance encounter with a grassroots group helping homeless children on a train platform in India, inspired Maya Ajmera to found GFC. Since then, the organization has invested in more than 1,000 grassroots organizations, reaching millions of children and young people in 90 countries.

GFC's community-focused approach to grant making seeks to shift the power to local actors on the ground, who understand deeply the context and complexity of the challenges children and youth face in their communities. GFC has been committed to providing core funding for 30 years - for the majority of its partners, it was the first funder to offer flexible, unrestricted grant funding.

GFC and its grassroots partners work to address a range of issues impacting children and youth, including access to education, gender equity, and the prevention of trafficking and exploitation. In recent years, the organization has invested further in post-pandemic education recovery, climate action, and youth leadership. Additionally, GFC has continued to support grassroots groups responding to conflict, natural disasters, and economic crises with its emergency grants program.

Against a backdrop of increasing challenges and complexities, GFC remains committed to creating a world where children and youth have more space to take the lead and make decisions in their local communities.