At a glance: United States of America

UNICEF in the USA

© Gregory H. Stemn

Laurence Fishburne -- actor, playwright, director, producer, and U.S. Fund for UNICEF National Ambassador -- joins Liberian schoolchildren during a visit to UNICEF operations in West Africa.

Guided by a commitment to build a world fit for children, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF -- in partnership with individuals, non-governmental organizations, foundations and corporations -- works to advocate for the world’s children, increase awareness among the U.S. public of children’s needs and raise funds in support of UNICEF’s work.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF was established in 1947 and is the oldest of the 37 national committees that support UNICEF. Since its creation, it has provided more than $1.3 billion in cash and gifts-in-kind to support UNICEF’s worldwide programmes, with special emphasis on immunization, girls’ education, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and emergency relief.

The Fund is based in New York and has chapter offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles, as well as smaller volunteer committees across the country. Staff and supporters are involved in a wide variety of efforts – from the Campaign to Save Mothers and Babies from Tetanus and  the sale of UNICEF greeting cards and gifts, to efforts to secure an annual contribution from the U.S. Government to UNICEF.

The annual trademark “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” campaign is of special interest to children, parents and educators and provides an opportunity for children in the U.S. to raise funds to help children around the world while learning about the challenges they face. For many youngsters, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” is their first volunteer experience.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF has an active troupe of National (Goodwill) Ambassadors and Special Representatives -- including Katie Couric, Laurence Fishburne, Edward James Olmos and Sarah Jessica Parker – who play an important role across the United States and around the world. These spokespersons reach out to fans and supporters to raise awareness about UNICEF's lifesaving mission and help keep children's issues under the public spotlight.