First Candle is a national health organization uniting parents, caregivers and researchers nationwide with government, business and community service groups to advance infant health and survival.  Together with our national network of members and partners, we are working to ensure that every baby is given the best possible chance to reach not only his or her first birthday, but many happy birthdays beyond.

Our mission is to promote safe pregnancies and the survival of babies through the first years of life. With programs of research, education and advocacy, our goal is to continue to have a significant impact on our nation’s high infant mortality rates. Working toward this mission, we remain committed to providing compassionate grief support to all those affected by the death of a baby.

Despite tremendous success at reducing SIDS rates by more than 50 percent during the past decade, SIDS remains the leading cause of death for infants one month to one year of age. In addition, more than 26,000 families are devastated by stillbirth each and every year. More than 50 percent of these deaths occur during the last trimester of pregnancy, many with no obvious explanation for the death. Clearly, there is much work to be done.

Recently ranked as one of the top charities in the nation by the American Institute of Philanthropy, First Candle also meets all guidelines as set forth by the Better Business Bureau and is listed in its Wise Giving Guide. We are proud of our ongoing record of maintaining administrative costs below the industry standard of 25 percent.