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About Sandy Hook Promise

Protecting America’s children from gun violence in honor of the precious lives that were lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Our Story

From Tragedy To Transformation

Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Based in Newtown, Connecticut, our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.

Nicole Hockley speaks at event
Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley

Our Co-founders

Leading out of love

Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise Foundation and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. While the days can seem dark, with all of you by our side, we will continue to move forward. Read 5 life-saving changes after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Sandy Hook Promise Tree

Our Mission

The mission of Sandy Hook Promise is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Through our proven, evidence-informed Know the Signs programs and sensible, bipartisan school and gun safety legislation, we teach young people and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others.

Through our Programs

26.5 Million+ Participants Nationwide

Through our Programs

24,000+ Schools Engaged

Make The Promise

Join the 11,112,135 people who’ve already made the promise to protect children from gun violence.

Join the 11,112,135 people who’ve already made the promise to protect children from gun violence.

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We Are Honored To Be Recognized For Our Programs And Campaigns

5 Star Top-Rated Charity
Four Freedoms Award
Community Leadership Award
AAS Accredited Crisis Center Seal
Accredited Crisis Center
Platinum Seal Of Transparency
Community Leadership Award

Sandy Hook Promise Is A Recognized top rated nonprofit Organization

Charity Navigator seal
Child Abuse Prevention Services Logo
Platinum Transparenct 2022 award

Where to Next?

Expanding our proven Know the Signs programs to teach more youth and adults how to prevent violence, shootings, and other harmful acts with age-appropriate, antiracist curriculum that can be delivered online or in-person.

Sandy Hook Promise strives to ensure its work environment, programmatic work, and culture reflect the values of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI). See our DEI values. 

Through our sister organization, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, writing and championing common sense policy to prevent gun violence and support mental wellness.