For more than a century, The New York Times Communities Fund has partnered with Children’s Aid to support our work to help NYC children and families living in poverty to succeed and thrive. In 1911, our agency was one of the original partners of what was then called The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. Although both the Fund and our own work have evolved in the intervening 115 years, our partnership has remained steadfast.

Each year, The Times shares compelling stories of Children’s Aid participants who have faced extraordinary challenges with resilience and determination. The generosity of Times’ readers then provides direct assistance to help families meet urgent needs and build greater stability.

Through the Fund, Children’s Aid has helped families get caught up on their rent, stock their pantries, furnish their homes, and purchase coats for New York winters. Its support has allowed us to strengthen existing programs and launch new initiatives — from community gardens and back-to-school assistance to youth leadership development, home libraries, and support for young people transitioning to college and careers.

This year, the Communities Fund campaign will help Children’s Aid provide 1,014 children and family members with high-quality early childhood programming. The campaign will support lending libraries and engaging read-aloud experiences that help children build foundational literacy skills while creating meaningful opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate in their children’s learning. Funding will also strengthen staff training and coaching and help us connect children with disabilities to the resources and support they deserve.

Together, Children’s Aid and The New York Times Communities Fund have made a meaningful difference in the lives of tens of thousands of New Yorkers. This enduring partnership advances our mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. 

About Children’s Aid

We help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive supports to children, youth, and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods.

We believe all kids have limitless potential. But for those growing up surrounded by poverty, family instability, and physical or emotional stress, life is too often about survival, not possibility. It’s unacceptable that in New York, a city of historic opportunity, so many of our children face serious barriers to realizing their own promise.

Children’s Aid is a professional powerhouse of solutions for young people. We are teachers and social workers, coaches and health care providers. We know what it takes to ensure children grow up strong and healthy, and ready to thrive in school and life: excellent education and health care, social-emotional support, and strong, stable families.