The Bernard van Leer Foundation is a private grant-making foundation. Their mission is to improve opportunities for children up to age 8 who are growing up in socially and economically difficult circumstances. They see this both as a valuable end in itself and as a long-term means to promote more cohesive, considerate and creative societies with equal opportunities and rights for all. 

The Bernard van Leer Foundation was founded six and a half decades ago by Dutch industrialist Bernard van Leer. Since that time, the organization has been guided by the belief that every child deserves the chance to realise their full potential – and that communities and countries become better places to live when all children are supported to get off to a good start in life.

The Bernard van Leer Foundation receives its income from the Van Leer Group Foundation to fulfil its mission. The Van Leer Group Foundation derives its income from a global portfolio of diversified investments. 

Goals
The organization identified three problems that are widely prevalent and impact the lives of young children worldwide, but which remain underaddressed. These were translated into three goals:

Taking quality early learning to scale - Play and exploration in a child’s early years lay the foundation for all future learning. However, societal attention to learning among infants and toddlers is limited. Few countries provide the knowledge and support parents need to make sure all children are learning from birth. 

Reducing violence in young children's lives - When young children experience or witness violence, it has a profound effect on their developing brains and – as a consequence – on their lifelong physical and mental health and ability to learn. The good news is that research has conclusively shown that this violence is preventable.

Improving young children's living conditions - As the world rapidly urbanises, more children are growing up in cities. One in three of these children live in slums where they experience poor environmental health, cramped housing and a lack of safe spaces for play. However, cities can also be great equalisers and, by weighting the needs of young children more heavily, mayors and city planners can help ensure that every neighbourhood contributes to its residents’ healthy development.

Where Bernard van Leer Foundation works
Brazil, India, the Netherlands, Peru, Tanzania, Turkey, and Uganda. The organization also pursue a regional approach within the European Union.