Set CPS Students up for Success This School Year

Donate to the CFF Compassion Fund to provide direct assistance as CPS students and families head back to school.

Set CPS Students up for Success This School Year image

Invest in Year-Round Success: Direct School, Student and Family Support

We invite you to give back to your community and make a tangible difference for students in need this school year. The CFF Compassion Fund serves as a direct lifeline for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students and families, adapting to the most pressing needs throughout the school year to make the greatest impact.

Whether it's school supplies to start strong, hygiene essentials, a warm coat, or emergency relief after a crisis, the Compassion Fund brings hope and stability to school communities when they need it most. Let’s come together to spread compassion and uplift CPS students and families.
What Your Gift Supports
Your generosity fuels direct assistance and vital resources that meet urgent needs and nurture long-term success:
  • School resources: essential school supplies, classroom needs, calming corner essentials, transit cards, field trip fees and more
  • Hygiene Care Closets: stocked with essentials to support student wellness and dignity
  • Emergency financial relief: for families facing job loss, homelessness, or the death of a caregiver
  • Post-secondary support: college credit exam fees as well as easing the transition for graduating seniors with help for deposits, textbooks, and travel
  • Support for newly arrived students: including those in temporary living situations

Our school leaders have called the Compassion Fund and “lifeline”, and thanks to donors like you, we have reached hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students. But the need continues.

Your donation ensures that every child has the support they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom, and to DREAM BIG from day one to graduation.


About Children First Fund

Children First Fund (CFF), the Chicago Public Schools Foundation, is the philanthropic and partnership arm of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). It serves as a knowledge hub and liaison between CPS and its community of partners, securing and organizing resources that advance CPS’ mission to provide a high-quality public education that prepares every child in every neighborhood for success in college, career, and civic life. For more information, please visit https://www.childrenfirstfund.org or find us on social @ChiFirstFund. 90 cents of every dollar donated to Children First Fund goes directly to support CPS students, programs, and services.