CIFF is a major independent philanthropy focused on improving children’s lives through climate action, health and nutrition, and opportunity for girls and women.
CIFF works to help children live healthier, safer lives with greater opportunity by investing with partners in scalable, locally owned solutions aligned with global development goals.
CIFF was established in 2002 by Sir Chris Hohn to support bold ideas addressing difficult issues affecting children. It was initially endowed through The Children’s Investment Fund and has since grown into a leading independent philanthropy focused on children’s wellbeing. CIFF’s work now spans climate action, health and nutrition, and opportunities for girls and women.
CIFF works with governments, multilaterals, NGOs, academics, philanthropies and the private sector to scale evidence-based solutions. Its model emphasizes locally led change, systems strengthening, due diligence, and partnerships that can produce large-scale outcomes. CIFF may request concept notes and conducts legal, financial and programmatic due diligence before approval.
CIFF has grown into one of the world’s largest child-focused philanthropies. In 2024, it approved $923m in charitable investments, disbursed $631m, and held an active charitable portfolio of $3.1bn. Reported 2024 highlights include support for nutrition financing, HIV prevention, school meals in Africa, low-birth-weight reduction work in Rajasthan, and child protection commitments.
CIFF works with governments, multilateral agencies, NGOs, philanthropic partners and private-sector actors. Named partners in 2024 included UNICEF, the Global Fund, Gates Foundation, PEPFAR, FCDO, African Development Bank, Food4Education, and the Rajasthan Government.
CIFF is a privately funded charity regulated by the Charity Commission of England and Wales. It is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by charitable objectives focused on improving the world for children. Its endowment is managed by The Children’s Investment Fund Management under governance arrangements approved by the Board. CIFF’s investment exclusions include arms, tobacco, fossil fuels and breast milk substitutes. The foundation uses Programme Investment Committees with external experts to review larger charitable investments.
Offices and teams across Africa, India, Europe, East and South East Asia.