Every year the March of Dimes provides millions of dollars in grants and scholarships. We support community programs and education for professionals. Our aim is to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
Program grants
The March of Dimes funds maternal-child health community grants in collaboration with our local chapters. External organizations can apply for funding to support programs working to improve the health of mothers and babies. For more information, contact your local March of Dimes chapter.
Graduate nursing scholarships
To recognize and promote excellence in nursing care of mothers and babies, the March of Dimes offers several $5,000 scholarships annually to registered nurses enrolled in graduate programs of maternal-child nursing. The March of Dimes Nurse Advisory Council, a group of distinguished perinatal nurses, chooses the recipients. Applications are due every January.
Agnes Higgins Award
This annual award for maternal-fetal nutrition honors the late Agnes Higgins of the Montreal Diet Dispensary for her innovation and years of service to the cause of improved maternal nutrition. A pioneer in devising methods of nutritional assessment and counseling, Mrs. Higgins greatly advanced the understanding of eating healthy as a crucial factor in healthy pregnancy and prevention of low birthweight. The Agnes Higgins Award is presented in recognition of distinguished achievement in research, education or clinical services in the field of maternal-fetal nutrition.
Newborn Screening Awards
These awards honor state health officials who put policies in place to address the important issue of newborn screening. The awards recognize state health officials who establish newborn screening delivery times of 72 hours, 48 hours or 24 hours. Our highest award — the Robert Guthrie Newborn Screening Award — recognizes state health officials who achieves 95 percent of all newborn screens delivered from the hospital to the lab in 24 hours.