Birth Equity Fund request for applications—Opportunity for Pierce County community-based organizations

10/6/2021

Washington State Department of Health developed the Birth Equity Project to invest in community programming to improve birth outcomes for Black, African American, Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaska Native women and infants in Washington. DOH is offering funds for projects that serve and benefit black birthing families.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is providing technical expertise to Department of Health. We have contracted with Jackie Vaughn to form the Community Advisory Committee, made up of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) birthing community who will guide these projects.

This group is comprised of Washington residents from the Black/African American community who live and work in various counties—including Pierce—who will help provide direction about how to best invest the funds.

Funding requirements and priorities
You must be part of a community-based organization that:

Has an organizational culture, structure and accountability rooted in the Black/African American community you serve.
Is a 501 (c)3 or is fiscally sponsored by a 501 (c)3.
Is Black/African American-led—50% or more of the staff and 50% or more of the Board must identify as Black/African American.
Will use funds to serve only Black/African American pregnant people and their families in King County.

The CAC identified the following priorities:

Disrupt and or minimize the impacts anti-Black racism on Black/African American pregnant and birthing people during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and perinatal period.
Provide services that support Black/African American pregnant and birthing people during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and perinatal period.
Support Black/African American birthing people in navigating the anti-Black racism in the medical industrial complex.
Build community capacity and sustainability in the Black/African American community.
Explain how the approach improves birth outcomes for Black/ African American pregnant people and their babies.

Questions about the application process?
Join our Zoom meeting Friday, Sept. 24, 2-3 p.m.
Meeting ID: 889 6035 8391.
One tap mobile: +12532158782,88960358391# US (Tacoma).
Learn more about the application process. If you’re unable to access the link, contact Caroline Sedano. You must apply by Oct. 11 at 5 p.m.
Questions? Contact Jackie Vaughn.