Every child deserves safety, water, food, education, mental and physical healthcare, and above all else to be treated with dignity. The 72 Fund has a close partnership with UNICEF given our shared commitment to empower children worldwide.

Ukraine: Humanitarian Aid to children fleeing war

We helped UNICEF rapidly deliver lifesaving emergency services in Ukraine after the onset of war in February 2022, and established UNICEF-UNHCR “Blue Dot” Refugee Support Centers in neighboring countries to assist vulnerable children and families who were on the move and leaving everything behind.

Poland: Emergency response for Cross-Sectoral Support

We helped facilitate tailored support for refugee families in Poland who fled the escalation of war in Ukraine, including access to mental health services and quality education to overcome trauma, renew a sense of stability, and establish a pathway to recovery.

Syria & Türkiye: Emergency earthquake response

We helped UNICEF provide timely emergency support in Syria and Türkiye following the February 2023 earthquakes, such as safe water, hygiene kits, and vaccines to children and their families, many of whom were already affected by years of protracted crisis and pre-existing humanitarian needs.

The 72 Fund established the Donovan-Chien Family Professorship in the Field of Psychology at Harvard Medical School to further scholarship in the areas of obsessive-compulsive disorder, digital mental health, global mental health, anxiety, and depression. In addition to advancing research, the professorship will develop the design of training programs and patient care outreach to maximize impact worldwide.

We supported an innovative partnership to accelerate the work of young people building the systems and structures for long-term youth change-making at the country, regional, and global levels, including the development of an international youth council and promotion of youth participation at global conferences.

We supported the Esperanza Academy’s Music Therapy Program that provides a full-time, board-certified music therapist for 1:1 support and weekly classes as part of the curriculum. This engages brain areas involved in emotional regulation, motivation, cognition, motor function, and integrates cultural practices.

In 2024, we were honored to be the National Sponsor for UNICEF’s Heart Strings, a digital exhibit highlighting global awareness and fostering empathy through powerful storytelling. This multi-city exhibit engaged families, with an emphasis on enlightening youth about global challenges, including climate change and youth empowerment.

This unique opportunity empowered children to learn, listen, and connect with other children around the globe. We proudly invested in two key parts of this endeavour: all children aged 18 and under to participate at no cost, along with regional school groups to attend, with transportation provided.

We provided pivotal investment and support to raise funds needed to purchase a permanent home for Boston’s Kingsley Montessori School and its child-centered program. This assured the longevity of Kingsley Montessori School through the acquisition of the Exeter Street building as a permanent location.

We proudly sponsor Pink Pages, an annual event benefiting the Hoffman Breast Center at Mount Auburn Hospital, supporting comprehensive, patient-centered breast health care. The event features conversations, personal stories, and readings from renowned authors. Pink Pages 2025, hosted by author and breast cancer survivor Alice Hoffman, raised over $540,000 to fund contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), an advanced imaging technology that helps detect cancer earlier, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue or higher risk.

The UNICEF Gala 2024 showcased the impact of UNICEF’s work to ensure every child is healthy, educated, respected, and protected. With presenting sponsorship from The 72 Fund and generosity from donors across the country, the Gala and connected Giving Tuesday efforts raised over $6.8 million to support The UNICEF USA Every Child Fund. These vital resources help UNICEF maintain its presence in over 190 countries, respond to more than 200 emergencies annually, and deliver programs that protect children’s rights and expand their opportunities to meet their full potential.

In 2025, the UNICEF International Council Challenge raised more than $10 million in a few short months to support UNICEF’s Every Child Fund. This support helped protect critical programs for children when disruptions to foreign aid threatened progress. The 72 Fund led the way with the first gift of $1 million, challenging philanthropists and partners around the world to join in and stand up for children, together.