The Children's Defense Fund began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundations, corporate grants and individual donations. In 1981, CDF established the Columbus office to direct its efforts in Ohio.

CDF-Ohio recognizes that stable families present the greatest opportunity for children to lead safe and healthy lives. 

To support children and families, CDF-Ohio:

• monitors state and federal legislation;
• identifies emerging social and economic trends that impact Ohio families;
• builds relationships with key community partners including legislators, businesses and community-based groups; and
• develops statewide action plans for advocacy and direct service that address critical child issues in the areas of health, child welfare, early care and education, juvenile justice and family income.

CDF-Ohio also serves as the lead agency for KIDS COUNT, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation which provides timely state and community-level data on child well-being so that local, state and federal elected officials can make informed policy decisions.

• CDF-Ohio Staff
• CDF-Ohio Advisory Board

Contact Us

Directions to Columbus office

From the North:
Take I-71 S toward Columbus. Exit onto Broad Street. Turn right onto Broad Street. 395 E. Broad Street will be approximately .5 mile on your left.

From the East:
Take I-70 West towards Columbus. Merge onto 71 North. Immediately take the Broad Street Exit. Turn Left onto Broad Street. 395 E. Broad Street will be approximately .5 mile on your left.

From the West:
Take I-70 East towards Columbus. Exit onto 4th Street. Take 4th Street North to Broad Street. Turn right onto Broad Street. 395 E. Broad Street will be approximately 1 mile on your right.

From the South:
Take I-71 North toward Columbus. Exit onto Broad Street. Turn left onto Broad Street. 395 E. Broad Street will be approximately .5 mile on your left.