Request for Letters of Intent

The Developing Families Maternal Health Fund is pleased to announce a grant opportunity for nonprofit organizations focused on addressing the structural factors impacting infant and maternal health across Greater Washington – specifically in Washington, DC; Prince George’s County, MD; Montgomery County, MD; and the cities of Alexandria and Fairfax, the town of Vienna, Arlington County, and the areas of Fairfax and Prince William counties in Virginia east of Route 123.

Goals

The goals of this funding opportunity are to:

• Address structural barriers to maternal and infant health, including those related to healthcare access, economic stability, housing, and social support systems.

• Promote health equity by supporting community-driven solutions that tackle the root causes of disparities.

• Enhance collaboration between healthcare providers, community-based organizations, policymakers, and residents to create sustainable, impactful solutions.

• Support long-term systemic change by building capacity within local organizations and advocating for policies that improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Focus Areas

Proposals that focus on the following priority areas will be considered:

1. Access to Care: Addressing issues such as healthcare access, quality, and equity in maternal care, prenatal care, and postpartum support.

2. Economic Stability: Reducing economic barriers that negatively affect maternal health, such as low wages, lack of paid family leave, or limited access to childcare.

3. Mental Health and Social Support: Supporting programs that address mental health issues (e.g., postpartum depression) and enhance social support systems for mothers, particularly in underserved communities.

4. Improving Access to Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Expanding access to care for underserved populations through mobile health clinics, telehealth options, and community health workers.

5. Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Working with local organizations to provide resources that address housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of transportation, all of which have a significant impact on maternal and infant health.

6. Community Education and Outreach: Engaging community members through educational campaigns about prenatal care, mental health during pregnancy, and the importance of early and regular check-ups for both mother and child.

7. Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with local policymakers to address the structural barriers that contribute to health disparities and working towards legislative changes to ensure long-term improvements.

Scope

Awards will range from $150,000 to $200,000 over a two-year grant period. The total amount available through this fund is $2 million. Grant Funds may be used for Program development and implementation, Capacity building and training, Community engagement and outreach, Policy advocacy and research, Evaluation and impact assessment or Operational costs directly related to the proposed project

The Community Foundation is looking to support respondents who successfully address the following requests:

• Demonstrate a commitment to addressing structural inequities impacting maternal and infant health, particularly in communities that are disproportionately affected by health disparities.

• Be able to demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability of their proposed interventions.

• Provide a logic model that shows how the funding supports will address structural inequities impacting maternal and infant health that would lead to improved health outcomes.

Those interested in submitting a Letter of Intent are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on Thursday, May 22 at 12:30 p.m.