What Moving Minds Alliance does

Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) is a multi-stakeholder advocacy alliance founded in 2018 and hosted by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit. It convenes 30+ member organizations — including major foundations (LEGO Foundation, Bernard van Leer Foundation, Porticus, Open Society Foundations, Comic Relief, W.K. Kellogg Foundation), large INGOs (UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, BRAC, Plan International, Sesame Workshop), UN agencies (UNHCR), and multilaterals (World Bank, Education Cannot Wait) — to advocate for early childhood development (ECD) in humanitarian emergencies. The alliance's target beneficiaries are refugee, displaced, and host-community children aged 0–8 and their caregivers in crisis settings across at least seven countries (Nigeria, Greece, Chad, Uganda, Lebanon, Kenya, Bangladesh).

MMA does not operate a software or technology product. Its core offerings are advocacy resources and knowledge products: the Research Forum on Young Children in Emergencies (with monthly roundups, quarterly webinars, and a Research Fellowship Program), the seven-module Young Children in Crisis Settings Resource Kit, advocacy briefs (e.g., 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit Brief), country-level policy publications (e.g., Nigeria ECD Financing Policy Brief, 2026), case studies (Baytna in Greece, Little Ripples in Chad), and the Global Pledge for ECD in Emergencies hosted through UNHCR's Global Refugee Forum platform.

The alliance operates as a coalition under the IRC's institutional and financial umbrella, governed by a steering committee co-chaired by representatives from IRC and Unbounded Associates. It has no commercial revenue streams; funding derives from philanthropic contributions, member dues, and grants from foundations and bilateral donors. MMA employs approximately 12 people across advocacy, knowledge/evidence, strategic communications, and operations functions, and operates globally without disclosed offices beyond the host relationship with IRC.

Name

Moving Minds Alliance

Legal name

Moving Minds Alliance

Website

https://movingmindsalliance.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Moving Minds Alliance is a multi-stakeholder advocacy coalition hosted by the International Rescue Committee, uniting 30+ funders, INGOs, and UN agencies to advance early childhood development for refugee and displaced children (ages 0–8) and their caregivers in humanitarian emergencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Advocacy Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee, Crisis & Humanitarian Education Partnerships (EiE) (EDADALAG)

Keywords

• Early childhood development
• Humanitarian advocacy services
• Refugee children support
• Humanitarian coalition building
• Policy advocacy programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Not specified

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic/Donor Funding: Moving Minds Alliance operates as a non-profit initiative hosted by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a 501(c)(3) organization. The alliance relies on member contributions, donor funding, and multi-stakeholder pledges to support its operations and advocacy work. No commercial revenue streams are disclosed.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Moving Minds Alliance is a multi-stakeholder advocacy coalition that coordinates research, knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy to advance early childhood development in humanitarian emergencies (ECDiE). It convenes 30+ member organizations spanning INGOs, donors, researchers, and civil society to influence policy, programming, and funding for refugee, displaced, and host-community children ages 0-8. The alliance delivers free resource kits, research compendiums, policy briefs, a Research Forum with fellowship program, and a Global Pledge initiative hosted at the Global Refugee Forum.

Product overview

Moving Minds Alliance is a multi-stakeholder advocacy alliance, not a traditional technology company. It does not offer a software product or platform. Instead, it provides a coordinated portfolio of advocacy resources, research publications, and knowledge-sharing programs. The core offerings include the Research Forum on Young Children in Emergencies (which includes a monthly Research Roundup, quarterly webinars, and a Research Fellowship Program), the Young Children in Crisis Settings Resource Kit (seven thematic briefs covering ECDiE topics), advocacy briefs and policy publications (such as the Nigeria ECD financing briefs), and the Global Pledge for Early Childhood Development in Emergencies multi-stakeholder initiative. Supporting content includes case studies (Baytna, Little Ripples) and community-based research compendiums. The organization functions as a coalition hosted by the International Rescue Committee, focused on advancing ECDiE policy and practice globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Research Forum on Young Children in Emergencies A global network of researchers and practitioners that fosters engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing on young children and families affected by crisis and displacement, including a monthly Research Roundup and quarterly public webinars.
• Research Fellowship Program A cohort-based fellowship supporting new and emerging researchers and research-oriented practitioners conducting studies on issues related to young children (prenatal to school-entry) and families in emergency contexts.
• Young Children in Crisis Settings Resource Kit A comprehensive set of seven thematic briefing resources covering how the youngest children are left behind in crises, brain development in crisis contexts, nutrition integration, gender equality, early learning, caregiver mental health, and child protection.
• Compendium of Early Childhood Development in Emergencies Studies by Community-Based Researchers A compilation of research studies conducted by community-based research fellows from Uganda, Lebanon, Nigeria, Kenya, and Bangladesh, showcasing local insights on family dynamics, maternal and child health, newborn care, early psychosocial stimulation, and resilience.
• Global Pledge for Early Childhood Development in Emergencies A multi-stakeholder pledge initiative engaging governments, bilateral and multilateral institutions, INGOs, local NGOs, civil society, and the private sector in providing resources to ensure refugee, displaced, and host community children (ages 0-8) benefit from quality ECD policies and services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of a child's brain develops by age five, emphasizing the critical window for ECD intervention
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• International Rescue Committee (IRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe International Rescue Committee (IRC) hosts the Moving Minds Alliance as an initiative. IRC serves as the administrative host and co-chair of the steering committee. EIN 13-5660870.
• Bernard van Leer FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization providing programmatic and funding expertise to support early childhood development for the youngest refugees and caregivers.
• LEGO FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey donor and strategic partner co-leading the ECD Task Team. Supports the Global Pledge for ECD in Emergencies and collaborates on initiatives like the Research Forum and play-based interventions.
• UNICEFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to ECD policy, programming guidance, and resource development. Collaborates on nutrition integration and early learning initiatives.
• Save the ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization supporting ECD in emergencies through programs, advocacy, and research. Collaborates on participatory needs assessments in East Africa.
• World Vision InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember contributing to ECD programming, nutrition integration, and policy briefs including co-development of the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit advocacy brief.
• BRACcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization on the steering committee, providing expertise in large-scale ECD and humanitarian programming across multiple contexts.
• Plan InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to ECD and gender equality programming, with inputs on gender-responsive ECD in emergencies.
• Sesame WorkshopcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization supporting early learning interventions and co-funder of the ECD Pledge, contributing to programs like the Baytna case study.
• Aga Khan FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing expertise on ECD in development and crisis contexts.
• War Child UKsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to child protection and ECD in emergencies programming.
• TheirworldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember co-developing the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit advocacy brief and supporting innovation awards for early years education.
• Education Cannot WaitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization focused on education in emergencies, aligned with ECD priorities.
• Unbounded AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization co-chairing the steering committee, contributing research and technical expertise on ECD.
• International Step by Step Association (ISSA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization on the steering committee, focused on early childhood development and early intervention.
• MHPSS CollaborativesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember contributing to mental health and psychosocial support aspects of ECD programming.
• Lutheran World FederationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization supporting ECD programming for refugees and displaced populations.
• iACTsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to ECD programming and community-based interventions.
• University of Virginia Humanitarian CollaborativesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing research expertise and hosting the Research Forum.
• AMNA (Refugee Healing Network)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing refugee expertise and mental health perspectives to ECD programming.
• ANECD (Arab Network for ECD)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing regional expertise on ECD in Arab contexts.
• Africa Early Childhood NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing regional expertise on ECD in Africa.
• Child to ChildsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization focused on child participation and health education.
• JuzoorsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to health sector work and ECD in the MENA region.
• UNHCRcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the Global Refugee Forum and partner for the ECD Pledge platform. UNHCR Education Alliance co-leads the ECD Task Team.
• Results CanadasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization focused on advocacy for health and development.
• Coalicion por VenezuelasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization addressing the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
• Early Opportunities LLCsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing expertise on early childhood opportunities and programming.
• Right To PlaysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization focused on play-based learning and child protection.
• LABE UgandasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing local expertise on ECD in Uganda.
• Global Schools ForumsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization focused on education in schools context.
• AVSIsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to humanitarian and development work.
• Al TufulasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to early childhood development work.
• Newcomers with DisabilitiessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization focusing on inclusion of children with disabilities among newcomers.
• PMNCH (Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization contributing to maternal and child health programming.
• World BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the Wilton Park meeting on refugee education integration and supporter of the Education Mega pledge during the Global Refugee Forum.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC): The longest-standing humanitarian coordination mechanism, bringing UN and non-UN actors together on humanitarian response. IASC is a thematically related peer as the apex coordination body in the system that MMA's ECDiE advocacy ultimately seeks to influence.

Direct peers

• Theirworld: Global children's rights charity focused on early childhood and education, including a major initiative on refugee education. Both organizations play advocacy roles in ECD/EiE, and Theirworld is both a peer and an MMA member collaborating on the Nutrition for Growth Summit advocacy brief.
• Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE): Open network of over 19,000 practitioners working on education in emergencies, hosted by multiple UN agencies. It is the most direct peer to MMA as a multi-stakeholder coalition focused on education-in-crisis, though operating at a broader age-band and at significantly larger scale.
• Education Cannot Wait (ECW): The UN's global fund for education in emergencies, mobilizing public and private resources for crisis-affected children. ECW is a direct peer because MMA's mission sits within ECW's age mandate and MMA is itself an ECW member; both serve as convening and funding mechanisms for EiE.
• Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN): A global network dedicated to advancing ECD coordination, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. ECDAN is a peer as both organizations operate as multi-stakeholder alliances driving ECD policy and practice, though MMA is specifically scoped to the emergencies sub-segment.
• Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA): Coalition of international organizations working to protect education during armed conflict. GCPEA is a peer because it operates as a multi-stakeholder advocacy coalition focused on education in conflict settings, with similar convening and research-dissemination roles.

Broad incumbents

• International Rescue Committee (IRC): Major humanitarian INGO and the host institution for Moving Minds Alliance. IRC operates direct ECD programming in emergencies and is a peer in the broader ECDiE field, while also serving as MMA's institutional umbrella.
• Bernard van Leer Foundation: Major private foundation focused on early childhood development globally, with significant programming in displacement contexts. It is a broad incumbent peer and also an MMA member, providing programmatic and funding expertise to the alliance.
• LEGO Foundation: Danish foundation funding learning-through-play initiatives globally, including humanitarian crises. LEGO Foundation is a comparable funder/peer in ECDiE and is an MMA core partner co-leading the ECD Task Team.
• PMNCH (Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health): WHO-hosted multi-stakeholder partnership with 1,000+ member organizations across maternal, newborn, and child health. PMNCH is a peer as a large-scale global advocacy coalition and also an MMA member.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/moving-minds-alliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Moving Minds Alliance