March 2026
As we step into a new year, we’re energized by the momentum already building and the possibilities ahead. This season is all about growth: planting seeds, expanding access, and continuing the work of strengthening the birth center movement.
In this update, you’ll see what your support is already making possible: from new research and emerging birth centers to the growing community driving this work forward.
Thank you for being part of this movement, we’re so glad you’re here.
What's In This Issue?
What We've Been Building Together
Spring It On! Starts April 1st
Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
New Article: Quality Care in Midwifery-Led Birth Centers
Introducing New Giving Opportunities
What We've Been Building Together
Thanks to this community, 2026 is already full of momentum:
Strengthening the evidence base: We’re investing in research that advances and validates the midwifery-led birth center model of care, and funding open-access publishing so that this knowledge is available to everyone, not locked behind paywalls.
Building community and connection: Through AABC membership grants, we’re supporting individuals and organizations at every stage, creating opportunities to connect, share knowledge, and grow alongside like-minded peers across the country.
Growing future birth centers: We’re funding attendance at How to Start a Birth Center Workshops, helping transform ideas into real, community-based care options where they’re needed most.
Supporting emerging organizations: Through our fiscal sponsorship program, we’re helping fledgling organizations begin fundraising earlier, access critical infrastructure, and build strong foundations as they work toward 501(c)(3) status.
This is how change takes root, by investing in research, relationships, and real-world solutions that expand access to the AABC model of care.
Spring It On! Starts April 1st
Spring It On! is back and this year, we’re inviting you to meet us at the crossroads.
From April 1-30, you’ll track your physical activity- walking, running, biking, or however you move- to make your way along a virtual race track, alongside (and in friendly competition with!) participants from across the country all in support of midwifery-led birth centers.
Whether you’re racing to the finish or just getting started, Spring It On! is a powerful way to build connection, have fun, and make an impact together.
Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
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).
Applications are open now through May 1, 2026 for this grant cycleBirth Center Membership Support Grants
The Birth Center Membership Support Grant assists birth center applicants with up to 50% of membership fees due the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) for: (1) birth centers that are applying for membership for the first time and (2) birth centers that are due for membership renewal but experiencing a fiscal crisis. The AABCF has the exclusive authority to determine all grant guidelines, criteria, timelines and awards, and will monitor all grants.
Applications are open now through May 1, 2026 for this grant cycle
New Giving Opportunities
Monthly Giving Momentum Makers
We’re excited to launch Momentum Makers, a new monthly giving program that invites supporters to fuel our mission all year long. Monthly donors play a powerful role in strengthening the Foundation, providing steady, reliable support that helps us plan boldly, respond quickly, and grow sustainably.
Your monthly gift plants seeds, builds capacity, and expands access to midwifery-led birth center care for families across the country. Even small recurring gifts create long-term impact when we do it together.
Giving Circles
We’re excited to officially launch our Giving Circles, a new way to deepen your impact and help shape the future of the AABC Foundation.
These circles recognize supporters whose generosity, leadership, and vision are expanding access to midwifery-led birth center care across the country. Whether you’re helping lay the foundation for what’s next or sustaining the work that’s already in motion, there’s a place for you in this community.
Find your circle:
Legacy Circle – $10,000
Honoring those whose generosity shapes the future, growing more birth centers to serve more families.Champion Circle – $5,000
Recognizing leaders who advance our mission with strength and vision, helping our movement take root and thrive.Steward Circle – $1,000
Celebrating committed supporters who nurture our work and community.
Giving Circles offer a meaningful way to connect more deeply, invest more intentionally, and be part of a community driving real change. Join a Giving Circle and help grow the future of midwife-led birth center care.