Doula Programs & Funding Cycles

If you are new to grant writing and trying to fund a doula program, you may not be aware that most funders have well established funding cycles. For some funders, such as March of Dimes, this may mean only one time per year, whereas others may have two or three cycles per year. In the case of March of Dimes, 2011 funding decisions are a done deal, so you are already looking ahead to 2012 and the RFP (Request for Proposals) will likely be released late February or March.

I recommend that you devote some time in the near future to creating a calendar of the top 4-5 RFPs, suitable for funding doula programs, for the coming year. Note the deadlines on your calendar. Not all funders will have the RFP details available now, but it may be possible to get on a notification email list once they are released. The point is to get on top of it.

Your most promising options are funders who are a good mission match. Try not to be seduced by the temptation to “chase the money.” Rather, choose funders whose stated funding priorities are closely aligned with what you are already doing or with what you want to do. If you are just getting started, look for funders who want to provide “seed money” for new initiatives. Do not neglect your local community foundation. They provide local funds to solve local problems.

Happy New Year! Wishing you great success …

The Doula Programs blog provides a forum for doula program visionaries and implementers to consider common challenges, ask questions, and learn from each other. Patty Brennan is the author of The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business.

Posted by Patty Brennan on December 30, 2010 • Filed under Doula Programs
Comments (0)

Comments