By Gracie Sanchez
Making the case for U.S. support for UNICEF
Members of Congress take several scheduled recesses throughout the year, during which they leave their offices on Capitol Hill and return to their home districts and states. These times in the Congressional calendar present key opportunities for advocates to connect with their legislators in their local communities and use their voices to influence policy change.
UNICEF USA advocates leverage these in-district meetings to make the case for sustained U.S. support for UNICEF’s core resources.
For nearly 80 years, the U.S. Government has made a voluntary contribution to UNICEF. This funding has long enjoyed bipartisan support to ensure tangible, proven results for children globally. But now, with the funding for Fiscal Year 2025 rescinded, children’s lives are at greater risk than ever before.
The aid cut will not only have a significant impact on children’s lives and their education, but also threatens to reverse hard-won progress achieved by UNICEF and partners. Since 2000, global under-5 mortality has dropped by 50 percent. Millions of children are alive today thanks to UNICEF’s time-tested, cost-effective work. Millions more have been protected with improved health and brighter futures. And UNICEF continues to deliver.
In response to federal funding cuts, UNICEF USA supporters from across the country showed up more motivated than ever as they organized meetings with Members of Congress in their home communities to advocate for a $150 million contribution to UNICEF’s core resources for Fiscal Year 2026. This flexible funding, eliminated in the FY25 budget by the recent rescission bill, enables UNICEF to respond quickly to humanitarian crises, prevent the spread of disease and deliver essential health, nutrition and education services that protect children and promote long-term stability.
By engaging face-to-face with legislators and their staff, advocates showcased constituent support for UNICEF’s work and helped ensure that Congress understands the urgent need for this funding. These efforts were especially focused on connecting with the offices of Congressional members who serve on key appropriations and foreign relations committees based in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.
UNICEF USA exists to mobilize the American people to support UNICEF’s mission. It works year-round to build bipartisan support in Congress and advance child rights-focused legislation to ensure every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected. Through these conversations, advocates reinforced a shared message: investing in UNICEF is an investment in American values, American workers and America’s security.
Related: Cutting UNICEF Undercuts American Interests
While this advocacy helped generate meaningful engagement with key Members of Congress, the work is far from over. Conversations are continuing at members’ offices on the Hill; in October, UNICEF youth leaders met with over a dozen Congressional offices to discuss the importance of funding for UNICEF.
And make no mistake: securing the U.S. Government’s voluntary contribution to UNICEF’s core resources in Fiscal Year 2026 will require continued action from supporters like you. Every voice makes a difference.
Your voice matters. Take action now to urge your Members of Congress to stand with UNICEF and protect this critical funding for the world’s children – and for a safer, more secure America.