Every year, more than 400,000 Americans and more than 5 million people worldwide are killed by tobacco, a number that makes smoking cigarettes the leading cause of preventable death. Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded by private donations, works toward fighting tobacco smoking especially where it concerns children's health.

Established in 1996, the non-profit organization does not accept funding from the government and the tobacco industry, a necessary move to maintain its independence, credibility and integrity. Instead, it relies on contributions from private individuals, corporations and philanthropic foundations as well as other non-profit organizations.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids prides itself on leading the fight against tobacco use in many ways. Their programs are geared toward the promotion of public policies for the reduction of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand, even third-hand, smoke; strengthen tobacco control via the provision of support and information to its partners; and empowerment of the present generation by fostering their leadership and activism.