Changemaker Accreditation Grants

The Changemaker Accreditation Grant was established in honor of the founders of the birth center movement and the current and future changemakers who propel the movement forward. The grant is designed to pay up to 100% of the initial accreditation fee or an accredited birth center’s annual fees due to the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC). The AABCF has the exclusive authority to determine all grant guidelines, criteria, timelines and awards, and will monitor all grants.

Who can apply?

To qualify a birth center must have:

  • AABC Birth Center Membership

  • A demonstrated financial hardship to pay 100% of their CABC accreditation fees

  • A demonstrated capacity and a plan to complete the accreditation process with the intent to maintain accreditation.

  • Not received an Accreditation Support Grant in the last three years

Special consideration will be given to birth centers that demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • A commitment to serving low income birthing people and/or birthing people on Medical Assistance

  • Situated in a rural or low-income area

  • Annual gross revenues of less than $100,000

  • A commitment to foster public education about birth centers

How do I apply?

The AABC Foundation will review grant applications on a rolling basis. Grants expire one year after issue, so please plan your application to fit into that timeline.

  • Apply by March 1, 2024 to receive a decision by April 30, 2024

  • Apply by May 1, 2024 to receive a decision by June 30, 2024

  • Apply by July 1, 2024 to receive a decision by August 31, 2024

  • Apply by September 1, 2024 to receive a decision by October 31, 2024

  • Apply by November 1, 2024 to receive a decision by December 30, 2024

  • Apply by January 3, 2025 to receive a decision by February 28, 2025

Please complete the online grant application answering the following questions:

  1. What is the name, address, website, and contact name for your birth center?

  2. What year was your birth center established?

  3. Is your birth center currently an AABC Member?

  4. What are your estimated annual gross revenues?

  5. What is your estimated volume (# of births) for the current year?

  6. How would you describe your geographic service area?

  7. What percentage of your clients are low-income?

  8. What is the amount of your CABC Accreditation fees? Contact CABC directly to find out.

  9. Why do you need financial assistance in applying for/maintaining CABC birth center accreditation?

  10. Why do you want to become (or remain) CABC accredited?

Applicants will also need to submit via email to admin@aabcfoundation.org the following supporting documents to complete their grant application:

  • 3-year birth center budget that includes costs of accreditation minus a grant for up to 100% of CABC fees. Click here to download a sample operating expense budget.

  • Profit and loss statement for past year (if applicable)

  • CVs/resumes for key staff

  • Letter of support from a key partner to the birth center (e.g., referral hospital, community program, etc.)

How is the grant awarded?

Award certificates are issued to birth centers which tell the size of the grant and its purpose.  The certificate can be redeemed by sending it to the CABC for use in lieu of payment.  CABC then sends the certificate back to AABC Foundation which then pays that amount to CABC.  An award certificate expires 365 days from the date of issue and so must be used in that time.  

Questions? Please contact us at admin@aabcfoundation.org / 215.234.8068

The AABC Foundation is a not-for profit 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization (Tax ID#23-2778441).