Funders for Birth Justice and Equity (FBJE) was born out of the Midwifery Funders Group—a learning network of funders interested in the midwifery model of birth as a solution to the poor outcomes and high cost of the US maternity care system—with the mission to end inequities in birth outcomes and improve experiences and outcomes for all birthing people by advancing respectful, physiologic care and equitable access to birth workers. The group serves as a resource to funders or donors interested in learning how to effectively fund the birth equity and justice movement. Through FBJE, donors and funders can find the education, framework for change, resources, peer support, and collective funding opportunities needed to fund the field at a level that will get to systemic and transformative change.

In October 2022, with support from CHAP, Funders for Birth Justice and Equity served as a key partner on the planning committee for the inaugural Birth Equity Funders Summit, a three-day gathering of over 100 funders that took place in Atlanta, Georgia. The Summit created a platform for funders and leaders in the field to elevate areas in need of greater resources, reflect on philanthropic processes and practices, and identify opportunities for increased alignment and collaboration. A report highlighting critical themes that emerged in the process and shifts needed to move the needle on the nation’s maternal health outcomes can be found here. Moving forward, FBJE will serve as the backbone and organizing mechanism for future summits and related, emerging initiatives.