How Donations Are Used

Your donations fund our mission in many important ways

When you give to Cradles to Crayons®, your donated funds are used to run the year-round programs that support our mission of providing everyday essentials to children in need. The bulk of the money we receive goes directly to these initiatives.

How your donations are used

In addition to our initiatives, a portion of gifts may be used to serve day-to-day needs, such as making specific product purchases to fill inventory gaps in The Giving Factory®. This thoughtful and effective use of your funds is a major reason why Charity Navigator has recognized us as a Four-Star Charity for 10 years and counting. It’s a tribute to the financial efficiency, accountability, and transparency that Cradles to Crayons brings to everything we do. Our first and foremost goal is to make sure that donations are used to make an immediate and real difference in our community.

Explore ways to give >

 

When a family receives everyday essentials through Cradles to Crayons, they often send us a heartfelt thank you. Many times, we receive a drawing a child made especially for us  or photos that show a smiling child using what he or she received. Experience the very human respmonses that are inspired by our ongoing efforts. Read our stories >


Working through its network of hundreds of Service Partners, and supported by tens of thousands of volunteers, Cradles to Crayons annually serves more than 200,000 children living in low-income and homeless situations. Donors can be confident in our financial efficiency, accountability and transparency. View our Audited Financials >

Our volunteers prepare tens of thousands of customized KidPacks to distribute to local kids year-round. In the summer and fall, we distribute backpacks filled with age-appropriate supplies as well as KidPacks with clothing and personal items through our Ready for School initiative. Your financial support will help us keep our highly efficient model running so we can continue to serve local children in need, while also providing a meaningful opportunity for families, companies and organizations to come together and give back to the community.

 Help a local child today >

Take Action

Volunteer

We work with over 60,000 families, individuals, community groups and companies to serve over 200,000 children every year. Your time is vital to getting children the everyday essentials they need. Select a location to inquire about volunteering below or learn about our Giving Corps®.

Make a Difference

Donate Now

Make a one-time or recurring gift today or learn about other ways to give.

Fund the Cause

Make a Donation

Host a Drive

You can help us get everyday essentials into the hands of children. We accept a wide range of donations for children of all ages, from newborn to age 12. We create and distribute packages that are hand-selected and filled with children’s items. Host a drive today or learn about other ways to get involved.