Philly Birth Fund Application Process 2023-24
Grant Applications are currently closed!
Even though applications are closed, we encourage you to join the waitlist. You will be first to hear when applications re-open.
About the grants
Philly Birth Fund grants are partial grants for homebirth midwifery services between $800-$4000. The large majority of grants will be made in the $2000-$3000 range. You are responsible for any additional fees your midwife charges for their package of care. Together with your midwife, you will determine what your financial need will be to access homebirth services. Care and a financial agreement with your homebirth midwife must be established before your application will be reviewed.
How to apply
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Determine the cost of midwifery services
This should not change based on whether you are receiving a PBF grant or not
Identify what you can contribute to the cost of those services and what amount you will need to fill that gap.
Complete the application with the name of your midwife and the amount you need and we will be in contact with a decision.
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Complete the “Personal Info” section on the application form.
Use the resources we provide to find a midwife.
Determine the cost of their services.
This should not change based on whether you are receiving a PBF grant or not
Identify what you can contribute to the cost of those services and what amount you will need to fill that gap.
Email program@phillybirthfund.org with the amount determined to complete your grant application.
Your application will not be considered complete until you have consulted and come up with a financial agreement with your midwife.
Important Information
Applicant Eligibility
1. Identify as Black and/or multiracial Black
2. Lives in the Greater Philadelphia area
3. No more than 28 weeks pregnant without established homebirth midwifery care
4. No more than 34 weeks pregnant with established homebirth midwifery care
Midwife Requirements
1. National certification requirement for midwives (CPM, CNM, CM)
2. Midwife agrees to complete case report evaluation form after client has baby
3. Practice in the greater Philadelphia area
4. Able to complete brief onboarding on payment and the grant fund
Finding a Midwife FAQ
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There are many different types of home birth midwives. The Philly Birth Fund only provides grants to homebirth midwives who have the following national certifications:
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified Midwife (CM) -
Start by using a search engine like Google to find home birth midwives in the Philadelphia area. Search phrases like “Home birth midwives in Philadelphia CPM” or “Home birth midwives in Philadelphia CNM” will bring up several results. Many midwives and midwifery practices have a website or social media accounts for you to learn more about them. Once you have looked into the different options, set up a consultation with the midwives you are interested in to find out if they have availability, are a good fit for you, and are aligned with your home birth goals. During the consultation, you should also ask about the cost of their services. Contact program@phillybirthfund.org if you have any questions.
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Any CPM/CNM/CM that you would like to support your pregnancy can be funded by PBF. This is a suggested list, but not a complete list. If you have a midwife that is not listed below, you can apply with them as your midwife.
Baraka Birth - Krystina Derrickson, LM, CPM
Da Professional Midwife - Titiola Ogbeide, CPM
Inner Circle Midwifery - Asasiya Muhammad, CPM, LM
Philadelphia Midwife Collective - Mac Vantilburg, CNM, MSM and Crystal Hawkins, CNM
Refuge Midwifery - Ray Rachlin, LM, CPM, CLC and Victoria Dean LM, CPM, CLC
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On average, homebirth fees in our area range from $5,500-7,500 depending on the midwifery practice. Some midwives will lower their fees for a client based on income or other considerations. When speaking with different midwives, inquire about their fees to determine costs.