How the Bezos matching challenge helps donors double their nutrition impact

In March 2025, the Bezos family announced a historic US$500 million pledge to match contributions to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). This bold commitment is designed to double the power of every eligible donation and accelerate progress against undernutrition in children and women.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about how the matching challenge works, who can participate, and how funding is used.

To explore how you can contribute, contact [email protected].

What is the Bezos family matching challenge, and how does it work?

The Bezos Family has committed up to US$500 million to the CNF through a 1:1 matching challenge. For every eligible dollar contributed by other donors – including governments, philanthropies, businesses and individuals – the CNF will receive a matching dollar from the Bezos pledge, potentially doubling the total available for life-saving nutrition programmes and supplies in 63 countries with the highest burden of undernutrition.

Who can have their contribution matched, and what counts as eligible?

Any cash or publicly traded stock contribution from public or private donors, including governments (except where funds benefit their own country), foundations, corporate partners, individuals and civil society organizations can be matched, provided it supports the CNF and is received before 31 December 2027. Contributions must support at least one of the five high-impact nutrition actions in one or more of the CNF’s 63 priority countries.

Where does the matched money go, and what does it support?

Matched funds are distributed across CNF’s strategic funding Windows, which include direct programming, government partnerships, and procurement of vital supplies. These funds scale up proven interventions in five priority areas: maternal nutrition, breastfeeding promotion, complementary feeding, micronutrient supplementation, and treatment of wasting – all prioritized based on country needs and potential for impact.

How is a donation – and the matched amount – managed and accounted for?

All CNF contributions are managed through UNICEF’s rigorous financial systems, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with international standards. Matching funds are released only after verification of donor contributions, and all matched grants are tracked, coded, and reported through certified financial statements and the CNF Annual Report. UNICEF consistently ranks among the most trusted development and humanitarian organizations in the world, with a strong commitment to transparency and results-driven reporting.

Can I choose where my funds – and the match – are directed?

To maximise impact, the CNF encourages flexible contributions that can be directed to where nutrition interventions are most urgently needed. This enables a coordinated financing response, ensuring donor and matching funds work together effectively. Donors may also choose to designate their support to the Programme, Match, or Supplier Window. The Bezos match will be distributed proportionally based on eligible contributions, supporting both targeted efforts and broader system-wide impact.

How does the CNF ensure donations are making a difference?

The CNF reports regularly on results and financial performance through quarterly updates, donor-specific reports, and an annual public report. All funding aligns with UNICEF’s strict monitoring and evaluation framework, ensuring that every dollar – matched or original – supports measurable progress to tackle child and maternal undernutrition. Designed to catalyze sustainable change, the CNF also encourages increased domestic investment in nutrition, helping countries move from reliance on aid toward stronger government leadership and long-term systems strengthening.

What’s the advantage of contributing now?

With the Bezos match in place, every eligible dollar contributed through 2027 has double the power to save lives. Early investments help unlock more of the match sooner, accelerating progress in the world’s highest-burden countries and demonstrating strong donor momentum to attract further investment and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How do I get started, or learn more?

If you’re a prospective donor, contact the CNF Management Unit at [email protected]. Our team will guide you through the eligibility process, help align your contribution with CNF goals, and ensure it qualifies for the Bezos match, maximizing your impact from day one.