Since 1949, the Van Leer Foundation has been dedicated to supporting young children, caregivers and communities worldwide. We work with our partners to achieve large-scale impact for inclusive societies.
A world where children and communities flourish
We believe investing in a good start for children is the best way to build inclusive societies. The early years is when we can best: learn to connect with and trust others; reduce inequalities in health, education and income; and bring leadership together for action from across the social and political spectrum.
Where we work
We support scalable ideas all around the world. Our country and global portfolios represent diversity in social, economic and cultural terms.
New initiative
Introducing
The Good Start Challenge
When a child is born, a parent is also born — let’s reimagine how we care for them
The Good Start Challenge is a €2.6 million global initiative to uncover and support innovators and their solutions that improve the wellbeing of parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers and young children.
Initiated and driven by the Van Leer Foundation, the Good Start Challenge is delivered by Challenge Works, and supported by the FEMSA Foundation, Fundação Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal, and the LEGO Foundation.
In focus
Pages
Van Leer Fellowship
An interdisciplinary community of curious leaders on a shared journey to explore the intersection of their work and the wellbeing of babies, toddlers and their caregivers
Featured Knowledge
We create, curate and share knowledge that informs and inspires change in the lives of young children, families and communities.
In focus
Guide
How good housing ensures a good start for children and parents
Insights brief on why housing matters for families with young children
Report
Improving Early Childhood Development in Informal Settlements
This learning brief expands knowledge on practical solutions that improve access to and quality of early childhood services and caregiver wellbeing in…
Toolkit
Family Voices Toolkit
The Family Voices toolkit offers practical tools for investors and developers to involve young families in building better homes with lifelong impact
Connect
We bring people together from across diverse societies to ensure all young children and communities can flourish. Sign up for email updates to stay in touch with our network.
Sign up