Gala to Grow Birth Centers
The AABC Foundation is excited to invite you to the 2023 Gala to Grow Birth Centers: Desert Starlight! The gala will be held under the Sonoran Desert sky at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort in Tucson, Arizona on Friday, October 13th during the AABC Birth Institute.
The Gala to Grow Birth Centers is an event to raise funds to support the AABC Foundation and its programs to advance the AABC birth center model of care. The evening will feature a variety of activities, including auctions (live and silent), hors d’oeuvres, raffles, games, drinks, and more.
Some of the live auction items include:
The Lucky Hat - Brings good luck all year!
1 week stay at Arizona Mountain Cabin nestled in the white mountains of Northeastern Arizona. Two bedrooms (sleeps 4).
2024 Birth Institute Package includes conference registration, 1 night at the conference hotel and breakfast for two
Birth Glider Rocker - Handcrafted, solid cherry, birth glider rocker. Gifted to Community of Hope Family Health & Birth Center on their opening by Kitty Ernst. Own a bit of history!
1 week stay at North Carolina Home in Durham centrally located to UNC, Duke, RNP and the airport. Three bedrooms (sleeps 6).
1 week at Mexico Beach Resort - more details to come!
Special thanks to the 2023 Gala to Grow Birth Centers Sponsors:
Galaxy Sponsors: AABC, The Harnisch Foundation, and The Midwife Plan/Southern Cross Insurance Solutions
Constellation Sponsors: RT Specialty, MedPro, The Doctors Company, and Willow Midwife Center for Birth and Wellness
Star Sponsors: Blossom Birth & Wellness, General Star, XInsurance
Planet Sponsors: Marnie Cabezas Management Consulting
Moon Sponsors: Bauer Family, CABC, First Insurance Funding, Mike Meek, NACPM
Table Sponsor: AABC Arizona Chapter
Learn more about the gala at AABCFoundation.org/ gala-to-grow
Scholarships
This year the AABC Foundation awarded six Lisa Ross scholarships. The scholarship provides a conference registration and travel stipend for the AABC Birth Institute. Congratulations to our 2023 awardees.
The AABC Foundation also provides scholarships for the AABC How to Start a Birth Center course. We will begin accepting applications for the 2024 Amy Polk Scholarships in February. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, visit aabcfoundation.org/scholarships.
Research Funding
The AABC Foundation is accepting letters of intent now until November 15th to be considered for our 2024
Research Grant cycle. These grants provide up to $5,000 to support research projects on issues related to the birth center model of care.
Who can apply?
Open to individuals or organizations
Non-profit status not required
Research project related to the birth center model of care
A demonstrated capacity and a plan to complete the research in accordance with the project's timeline
Learn more at aabcfoundation.org/research-grants.
Birth Center Support Grants
The Changemaker Accreditation Grant program supports birth centers seeking accreditation. This grant pays for an AABC member birth center’s accreditation fees with the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers. This year we have awarded:
Balance Midwifery/Gilbert Birth Center in Gilbert, AZ
Clarksville Birth Center in Clarksville, TN
Full Circle Wellness in Kasson, MN
Lilac Health Midwifery and Birth Center in Asheville, NC
Mt Vernon Birth Center in Mt Vernon, WA
We hope these birth centers will all successfully complete the accreditation process and continue to make a difference in their communities.
The Birth Center Membership Grant program supports birth centers that want to join AABC for the first time or current members that may be experiencing a fiscal crisis. This grant pays for half of the annual dues for a birth center membership. This year we have awarded two grants:
Caderamen in Gurabo, PR
Full Circle Wellness in Kasson, MN
Modern Day Midwife in Phoenix, AZ
Mt Vernon Birth Center in Mt Vernon, WA
The AABCF reviews applications for these birth center support grants on a rolling basis. Birth centers may apply at any time during the year. Learn more about these grants at https://www.aabcfoundation.org/