National Foster Care Fund

500,000 CHILDREN ARE IN THE US FOSTER CARE SYSTEM

134,000 OF THOSE CHILDREN ARE AVAILABLE TO BE ADOPTED

In early 2003, there was a gathering of a few unique individuals from the philanthropic and business communities who adamantly decided that something needed to be done about the alarming number of children in foster care. With a steady cast of over half a million children in care across the nation, this group of individuals saw an opportunity to literally change the lives of a generation. As this may not have been the first time that a conversation like this had taken place, the climate was right to do something in an insightful way. Three strong advocates for foster care -- the national spokesperson for foster care and adoption, Bruce Willis; Paul Singer, CIO of Target; and writer and former foster youth Antwone Fisher -- led the charge. From their discussions an idea was birthed that has since touched the lives of many foster youth.

The National Foster Care Fund (NFCF) is a tax-exempt organization founded in 2004. The NFCF provides strategic outlets for celebrities, community based organizations, private and public corporations, traditional foundations, and government agencies to pool resources to enhance and improve the lives of foster youth throughout the nation. Targeting marked improvements in the environments of children affected by foster care, the National Foster Care Fund focuses on four primary areas: Public Awareness; Education; Health/Mental Health; Family Preservation. Through a collective and strategic effort, The Foster Care Fund seeks to reduce the numbers of children in the foster care system, improve the conditions and mechanisms for support of "at risk" families, and assist foster youth "aging out" of the system to become self-sufficient contributing members of their communities.

The National Foster Care Fund is the only organization of its kind, geared toward specific improvements in issues that directly affect the foster care population. It seeks to enhance existing programs by understanding their unique strengths and offering support to help maximize their directives. This is done through diligent evaluation, a series of successful fund-raising activities, events that bridge community relationships, and a public campaign that uses celebrity voices to help galvanize additional support and strengthen public messages.

Ongoing efforts to continue to improve the quality and integrity of the National Foster Care Fund outreach, as well as the richness and measurability of its four categorical components will be an ongoing effort for its founders. As we grow over the years it is our hope that we can fully integrate our messages and ideals into the fabric national consciousness.