United States Fund for UNICEF

Overview

Since 1947, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has supported the work of the United Nations Children's Fund by raising support for its programs and increasing public awareness of the challenges facing the world's children. As the oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, the U.S. Fund is part of a global effort to advance humanity with health, education, equality and protection for every child.

Mission

24,000 children die everyday from preventable causes. We are committed to doing whatever it takes until we reach our goal achieving zero preventable deaths.

Program

UNICEF is unique among world organizations and unique among those working with young people. As a global movement, we use our authority to influence decision makers and diverse partners to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. In 156 countries and territories, UNICEF's field staff uses hard-won expertise to meet the challenges facing children and those who care for them.

Our history has given us a profound understanding of development and the importance of child health, education, equality and protection in advancing humanity. All that we do helps children realize their full potential.

In support of UNICEF's work, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF focuses on five major priorities: education, emergencies, HIV/AIDS, immunization and malnutrition.

Impact

Over the years, the U.S. Fund has provided more than $1.8 billion in cash and in-kind contributions to assist UNICEF's lifesaving programs. We ensure that every donation we receive is used to the maximum benefit of the children who need help most. On average, 93 percent of UNICEF's global budget supports country programs to help children.

Nearly 60 years of experience and the use of low-cost, highly effective solutions work to make dramatic improvements in children's lives. UNICEF's programs are long-term, sustainable, focused and cost-effective.

Chief Executive

Caryl M. Stern

Chief Executive Profile

Caryl M. Stern is President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. She joined the organization in 2006 as Chief Operating Officer and served as Acting President for a short time before assuming her current position in May 2007. Previously, Ms. Stern served as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Associate National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Ms. Stern is a member of the Boards of the United Nations International School, WE ARE FAMILY Foundation and the Martin Luther King Memorial Project Foundation. She is the co-author of Hate Hurts: How Children Learn and Unlearn Prejudice (Scholastic, 2000) and Future Perfect: A Model for Professional Development (NACA, 1987).

In December 2000, Ms. Stern was named "One of 25 Moms We Love" by Working Mother Magazine and was honored with the 2009 "Empowering Woman Award" from the Greater Federation of Women's Clubs and the "Woman of Influence" award by the Jewish Women's Foundation. She was named "Outstanding Alumna" by her alma mater SUNY-Oneonta and has a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University. She has also completed the course work towards a Ph.D. in higher education at Loyola University in Chicago.

Ms. Stern is married and has three sons and a granddaughter.

Countries of Operation

Indonesia, Sudan, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the, Afghanistan, Haiti