Back-to-School
The first day of school is the launchpad for a year-round journey of discovery, growth, and achievement. As the official foundation for Chicago Public Schools, Children First Fund maximizes the power of your support. Since we are embedded directly in CPS, we can closely partner with schools to fund engaging back-to-school celebrations, essential supplies for classroom success, and the critical resources that keep students thriving.
Make a Gift
Partner as a Corporation/Organization
The Power of Strategic Giving
Across Chicago, schools are at the heart of our communities. The reality is, not every student and school community starts the year with the same resources. At Children First Fund, we believe that a student’s zip code should never determine the quality of their education or their access to basic necessities. CFF serves as the vital link between our schools and the community resources that support them. By channeling investments and support directly to where they matter most, we make the greatest possible impact, helping to ensure every student is fully equipped, supported, and inspired to DREAM BIG from day one to graduation.
Ways to Give
- Make a Direct Financial Gift: Donate online today to directly fund essential backpacks, stock hygiene closets, or student re-engagement events at schools.
- Become an official Back-to-School Sponsor and invest in the total well-being and long-term success of CPS students this school year. Download our our 2026 Back-to-School Sponsorship One-Pager
- Organize a Drive or Fundraiser: To keep school distribution seamless and make the greatest impact, we ask partners to coordinate large-scale supply drives or donate funds so we can strategically distribute resources where they are needed most. Help us collect classroom essentials or stock student Hygiene Care Closets. View the List of Needed Supplies.
- Double Your Impact (Employer Matching):Many employers will match your personal charitable donation dollar-for-dollar. Ask your HR department or search your company’s internal employee portal (like Benevity or YourCause) to submit a matching request for Children First Fund.
Every single gift is a direct investment in a student’s potential.
See how your contribution fuels a joyful, successful learning experience below.
What Your Gift Supports
$50
Essential Back-to-School Tools: Equips a student with a high-quality, fully-stocked backpack containing all required grade-level school supplies.
$150
School Attendance & Welcome Events: Ignites school spirit by funding local back-to-school pep rallies, attendance incentives, and welcoming activities that get students excited to show up daily.
$500
Classroom Success Bundle: Supplies an entire classroom with the supplemental learning tools, books, and resources teachers need to start the year strong.
$1,000
Hygiene Care Closet Essentials: Re-stocks a private school care closet with essential personal care items to support student wellness and eliminate stigma.
$2,500 to $25,000
Official District Sponsorship: Provides customizable, systemic support for student's physical, emotional, and environmental needs, while unlocking corporate visibility benefits.
Invest in a Student's Big Dreams Today
Children First Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your 100% tax-deductible gift goes directly toward accelerating student success across CPS.
