Nonprofit Spotlight: UNICEF USA

The Deed team sat down with UNICEF USA to talk about their important mission, and how companies can help drive more impact.

As we continue our nonprofit spotlight series throughout 2025, Deed was fortunate to speak with Nefisah Sallim, the Director of Partnership Operations and Engagement at UNICEF USA, to learn more about their organization’s work and partnership with Deed. 

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works to pursue a more equitable world for every child. Their programs focus on a broad range of issues affecting children, including health, education, nutrition, child protection, and humanitarian response. 

Read on to learn more from Nefisah about UNICEF’s history and how Deed is helping the organization achieve its mission.

What motivated the creation of UNICEF?

“The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, UNICEF, was originally established in 1946, right after World War II, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries devastated by the war. A year later, in 1947, UNICEF USA was founded to support that critical mission and help extend UNICEF’s lifesaving work to even more children around the world.”

How has your organization changed since it was originally founded? 

“UNICEF’s work has evolved significantly over time. In 1950, its mandate expanded beyond emergency relief to include long-term support for children and women in developing countries. Then, in 1953, UNICEF officially became a permanent part of the United Nations system. UNICEF USA has grown alongside that broader mission, continuing to raise vital funds and advocate for the rights and well-being of children everywhere.”

What is the main mission of UNICEF USA today? 

“Today, our mission at UNICEF USA is simple but powerful: we work relentlessly to build a more equitable world for every child.”

How can someone best support your organization? How has Deed helped with support for your organization? 

“There are so many meaningful ways people can support UNICEF USA:

• Advocate: UNICEF is a global leader in speaking up for children, and we work hard to influence policies and funding that make a real difference in kids’ lives. By joining our advocacy efforts, you can help us push for changes that support children around the world—and reflect U.S. values in foreign policy.
  
  
• Donate: Your contributions directly support UNICEF’s work to help children everywhere.
  
  
• Fundraise: Rally your friends, family, or colleagues to raise funds for our mission—it’s a powerful way to amplify your impact.
  
  
• Stay Informed: Sign up for updates so you’re always in the know about UNICEF’s humanitarian work and emergency responses."

“Deed has been a valuable vendor partner who has helped us connect with people in the workplace who want to support our mission. At UNICEF USA, we use Deed’s Fundraisers feature to share giving opportunities, making it easy for employees at participating companies to donate and take action for children.”

Are there any specific programs you would like to highlight?

“UNICEF USA supports UNICEF’s global work across several crucial areas to make sure every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, protected, and respected. Here are a few we’re especially proud of:

• Children’s Education: Whether it’s setting up temporary classrooms for refugee children, providing learning materials, training teachers, or even helping rebuild entire education systems, UNICEF works at all levels to improve access to quality education—starting with early learning.
  
  
• Children’s Health: From increasing immunization rates to expanding essential care for mothers and newborns, UNICEF is committed to ending preventable child and maternal deaths and strengthening health systems everywhere.
  
  
• Children’s Protection: Too many children face violence, exploitation, and neglect. UNICEF partners with families and communities to make homes and societies safer so every child can grow up free from fear and harm.
  
  
• Climate Change: The climate crisis threatens every aspect of children’s lives. UNICEF focuses on protecting and preparing children for climate-related challenges, working to ensure a safer, more sustainable future.
  
  
• Emergency Response: Whether it’s a conflict, climate disaster, or health emergency, UNICEF responds quickly and effectively, delivering life-saving aid and defending children’s rights during crises.”
  
  

Where can people learn more about the causes supported by your organization? 

“To explore more about UNICEF’s work and the causes we champion, visit our website"

Our conversation with UNICEF USA highlighted just how far a mission rooted in compassion can go. What began as an urgent response to crisis has grown into a global movement for children’s rights—and on Deed, it’s easier than ever for people to get involved. Whether it’s through fundraising, advocacy, or simply staying informed, supporters can make a real impact. Explore UNICEF USA’s profile on Deed to discover how you can help create a better future for every child.