Wanted: Funding and Ideas for Doula Programs

[AlaskaDoula]

Has anyone worked with the Chicago Health Connection, they seem to be one of the oldest and best funded doula programs in the country. They really seem to do so much for minority and low income families. I have been doing some research into starting a similar doula program in Fairbanks. I want as much imput as I can get on grant funding and ways to start and organize. I am also really interested in hearing about any experiences with the turtle women in minesota (culturally specific doulas). In Alaska there is a large native population that is underserviced in the birth community. I would love to see trained Alaskan Native doulas being accepted in the hospitals. As it stands when a woman from the village is ready to give birth she flies in to Fairbanks two weeks before her due date and waits at a dingy hotel by the airport. There has to be something better. Back to the CHC, In my research I noticed that the Senator of Illinois had $1,000,000 in his senate appropriations for Doula Programs. I can only assume this is to fund CHC. Anyone know of other succesfully funded programs that I could replicate. Ideas? I have recently completed a grant writing class and am about to attend a class for grants administation. Anyone know of funding sources? I'm serious about Doula Activism. I feel so strongly about a doula for every woman who wants one, but how do they know if they want one if they don't have access, education, cultural understanding and the $$$$ for thier current doula community.

[11 is heaven]

Please post or PM me any info you get. I have not taken a grant writing class, at this time, however, I have been speaking and meeting with govt. funded agencies for a couple of months now, such as: Healthy Start, WIC, My Babies and Me, etc. They love the DOULA concept, they want it for their community, they want me to start a program, but we do not no how to cross that funding barrier. I did not know if I should start with Medicare Ins., which I read about in one of my Lamaze resources, or go another direction. Many of the young ladies on these programs use this ins. You can PM if you want to do some brain storming. I do many babies for free....a lot...but my husband is wondering when I am going to ever get paid, to at least pay for my three certifications I am working on...

[missilla]

I am working with chicago health connections right now. i am doing their breastfeeding peer counselor program and am going to be working with BF moms. I am also going to be doing some doula work with them in the future. I love chicago health connections and they are a success story. I am not sure if I am going to be much help but if you need a contact number or someone to get in touch with let me know.

[jessa_bee]

Have you considered approaching private grantmakers? (FYI Most private foundations require proof 501(c)3 status or fiscal sponsorship.)

The Foundation Center is a wonderful resource. They have a database of funders that's easy to use and very affordable - http://fconline.fdncenter.org/.

grant monies

[11 is heaven]

Yes, Missy that would be great. PM me when you have the chance.

THANK YOU !!!

[b'earth angel]

Have you checked w/Lamaze Int'l?
Try here: http://www.lamaze.org/Advocacy/Award...9/Default.aspx