Crisis Award

Crisis Award is sponsored by World of Children. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

World of Children - Charitable Organization & Foundation Uplifting Vulnerable Children Worldwide World of Children’s Proven Impact 28 years of vision, conversations, discovery and hard work = 28 years of stories, hope, impact and more than 2 million lives changed World of Children funds changemakers who are serving the world's most vulnerable children.

We have awarded more than $15 million to over 130 organizations working in 70 countries impacting the lives of millions of children. Our system to identify, verify, fund, and uplift the highest quality organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable children has been recognized as the “ gold standard ” by entities such as UNICEF-USA, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and CNN. In 28 years, no one does what we do better .

The New York Times referred to World of Children’s Awards as the “Nobel Prize for Child Advocates. ” Our generous board members cover all of our overhead so that 100% of public donations go directly to funding high-impact programs around the world. Our donors see visible meaningful impact from their gifts.

World of Children unlocks the future for vulnerable children by funding, elevating, and creating a community for the most effective changemakers worldwide. Since 1998, World of Children has distinguished itself as a preeminent organization in the global nonprofit sector by identifying, verifying and investing in high impact programs that are answering the world’s most pressing problems facing children today.

World of Children invests in programs delivering measurable impact on a broad range of children’s issues. Funds are granted to impact poverty, hunger, health, human rights, safety and education. Grants are awarded through five award pillars: Crisis, Humanitarian, Protection, Health, Education.

Millions of children have been impacted through grant funding and support provided by World of Children, giving them the opportunity to experience what’s most important: their childhood. Since 1998, World of Children has dedicated more than $15 million to help fund high-impact programs serving the world’s most vulnerable children.

The organization has awarded over 130 organizations working in the United States and 70 other countries , each of them focused on addressing the world’s most pressing issues affecting children today. Our Sholl-Freede family has a deep calling to protect children from suffering and we’ve dedicated more than 30 years to heartfelt philanthropy.

In 2023, the retiring Co-Founders of World of Children, Harry and Kay Leibowitz, placed their trust in our hands and empowered our Sholl-Freede Foundation to carry forward the success of World of Children to its next bold chapter. Together with treasured legacy donors, our family has committed several million dollars in funding to support World of Children’s next stage of growth and transformation.

We are truly grateful for your continuing partnership as we make this world a better place for children who truly need us. Sandy Sholl, Adam Freede, and Daniela Braga Freede The story of World of Children began in 1996 when Co-Founder Harry Leibowitz had an epiphany while he was recovering from cancer surgery at age 55.

He was watching the Pulitzer Prize announcements when he realized that while there was a Pulitzer Prize for art and literature, a Nobel Prize for sciences and peace, and an Oscar for film, but there were no awards for those who were tirelessly and selflessly serving children in need around the world. That realization was a catalyst for Harry who met his wife Kay-Isaacson-Leibowitz just before the second annual Awards Ceremony.

Kay attended the event as a guest and quickly fell in love with both Harry and World of Children. Together, they led the World of Children through its first 25 years of heartfelt success, serving millions of children in need all around the globe. “Our family has a long standing and unwavering commitment to making a powerful difference in the lives of children who truly need us.

We will forever invest in proven projects that protect precious young lives and ensure their brighter future. ” Sandy Sholl, Co-Chair and Co-Founder World of Children awarded a 2025 Education Award and $25,000 grant to Common Circles.

Common Circles creates innovative research-based interactive experiences that combine technology, the arts, and storytelling to teach about our multi-layered identities, the importance of finding shared humanity, increase empathy, reduce antisemitism and bias, and encourage changed behaviors in our communities. World of Children awarded a 2025 Sally Manchester Ricchiuti Protection Award and $20,000 grant to Lucky Duck Foundation.

Lucky Duck Foundation provides critical support and pathways to stability for children and families experiencing homelessness, with a focus on safety, basic needs, and long-term recovery through coordinated community services. World of Children awarded a 2025 Sally Manchester Ricchiuti Protection Award and $20,000 grant to Emilio Nares Foundation.

Emilio Nares Foundation supports families of children with cancer by reducing financial, emotional, and logistical barriers to care, helping ensure that children can safely access treatment and essential support services. World of Children awarded a 2025 Crisis Award and $15,000 grant to CAST.

CAST provides survivor-centered services to individuals impacted by human trafficking, including emergency support, case management, and long-term recovery services that promote safety, stability, and independence. World of Children awarded a 2025 Crisis Award and $15,000 grant to Canary.

Canary works to fight online child sexual exploitation by building innovative investigative tools, connecting critical data, and driving research that accelerates hope for a world where every child is seen and safe. Their work empowers law enforcement and first responders to identify victims more efficiently and protect vulnerable children. World of Children awarded a 2025 Education Award and $10,000 grant to Rachel’s Challenge.

Rachel’s Challenge delivers school-based programs that promote empathy, kindness, and connection – helping students and educators build safer, more inclusive school communities while reducing bullying and harmful behaviors. World of Children is proud to continue supporting past honorees. They are trusted partners who continue to deliver meaningful, life-changing impact for children and families.

These organizations represent the enduring strength of the World of Children network and our commitment to leaders doing critical work around the world. Each of these organizations was awarded a $5,000 grant to help sustain and strengthen their important, ongoing work.

A Breeze of Hope is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing healing, justice, and comprehensive support to child survivors of sexual violence, offering free legal, psychological, and social services while advocating for prevention, community education, and systemic change to protect children and families.

Heart to Heart Global Cardiac Care Heart to Heart develops self-sustaining cardiac care programs and trains local medical specialists to diagnose, treat, and care for children born with life-threatening heart defects. Heart to Heart helps expand access to life-saving care worldwide and improves cardiac outcomes for vulnerable children.

Chernobyl Children International Chernobyl Children International supports children, families, and communities affected by the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster, providing medical care, rest and recuperation, humanitarian aid, and long-term programs that improve health, family life, and opportunity for vulnerable children. COANIQUEM provides free, comprehensive rehabilitation and medical care to children who have suffered burn injuries.

They also offer community education, prevention campaigns, and train health professionals to improve burn care across Latin America and the Caribbean. “World of Children is one of the most effective and efficient mid-sized nonprofit organizations in the world. ” – Caryl M.

Stern, Former President and CEO of UNICEF USA Thanks to the generous commitment of the Sholl-Freede Family to underwrite all administrative expenses, 100% of your donation will go directly to children in need. Extensive Review. We employ a rigorous initial and follow-up vetting process.

Every partner organization has been verified and passed a forensic audit by one of the world’s leading security firms to ensure that they meet World of Children standards. Click here to see the organizations we currently support. Click here to see the organizations we currently support.

"Children need someone to relate to them. They need to know that they are no longer going to be alone; that they are no longer abandoned; that their situation is over. That, as of now, it's over."

Susie Krabacher, 2013 Hero Award This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Impact Delivered to Your Inbox Are you seeking grant funding for your nonprofit organization?