The Children’s Fund
Removing Barriers So Students Can Learn and Thrive
The Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) Children’s Fund provides critical, short-term financial assistance to students in Connecticut’s public schools who are experiencing extraordinary hardship. By addressing unmet basic needs that can interfere with learning, the fund helps ensure students have the support they need to succeed in the classroom.
The Children’s Fund assists with essential items such as clothing, food, medical needs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, school supplies, and other necessities that may otherwise present barriers to learning. Requests are made by active members of the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) on behalf of students and are accepted throughout the year.
Support through the Children’s Fund is designed to be timely, confidential, and responsive to individual student needs. Generous support plays a critical role in making this assistance possible, helping CEF respond quickly and compassionately when students and families need it most.
Eligibility and Requests
- Assistance is available to students enrolled in Connecticut public schools
- Requests must be submitted by an active CEA member
- Support is intended for students facing extraordinary personal or family hardship
- Funds are used for basic needs that directly impact a student’s ability to learn
Support the Children’s Fund
Gifts to the Children’s Fund make it possible for CEF to respond quickly when students face unexpected hardship. Donor support ensures students have access to essential items that remove barriers to learning and help them remain engaged in school during difficult moments.
Children’s Fund Inquiries
For questions about eligibility or submitting a request, please contact:
Shannon Waxenberg
Email: shannonw@cea.org
Phone: 860-525-5641