The Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation issues a request for proposals each March, which is available online. Requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Applicant organizations must share the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation’s mission: to ensure a safe and healthy birth of the child and the well-being of the mother by supporting and promoting services to those pregnant and parenting women and their families who are in the greatest need.
  • Applicants must be a Section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and must include a verified Certification of Incorporation and current IRS Section 501(c)(3) determination.
  • Services shall only be provided in the State of New York.
  • Applicants are required to identify the name of the program, location of where the services will be provided, the number of people to be served and the types of services offered.
  • Applicants are required to submit documentation verifying the need for the services in that area and demonstrate that there are no other sources of funding for these services.
  • The proposed budget shall outline project funding, monies expected from other sources, and those sought from the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation.
  • No portion of the funds can be used for any type of lobbying activities.
  • Applicants may request up to $75,000; the average grant in 2004 was $34,000.
Applications are due to the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation in mid-May. All applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors in June. Awards are announced in July. Obligations of the grantee to provide data, progress reports, and availability for site visits are set forth in the memorandum of agreement signed by the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation and each grantee.

All grants are for a one-year period commencing August 1 through July 31. There are no multi-year grants.