Birth Center Equity (BCE) is a nonprofit organization and network that envisions a world where every community has access to a birth center. Their network of over 40 community birth centers represents an extraordinary depth and breadth of expertise in evidence-based midwifery care and a key solution to reversing the maternal health crisis. Through technical assistance, funding, and peer support, Birth Center Equity has helped to increase the number of freestanding birth centers in communities of color in the U.S., in both rural and urban settings.
Chicago Beyond’s $4 million investment in BCE aims to address alarming disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly within Black, Indigenous, and other people of color communities. BCE is leveraging Chicago Beyond’s investment to enhance key areas of their work, including expanding access to community-based midwifery care, strengthening community birth center economic stability, advancing community awareness, and nurturing a powerful network of birth leaders.
Photo by @bentonvillebirthservices
Chicago Beyond amplifies the impact of solutions driven by those closest to the issues. We aim to notice, relate, and work differently, both as a funder and as a partner to those we invest in. By consistently applying these practices, we recenter humanity in philanthropy and all that we do.