1.) funding research to find the causes of premature birth,

2.) educating women about risk reduction strategies, including the signs and symptoms of premature labor,

3.)providing support to families affected by prematurity,

4.) expanding access to health care coverage so that more women can get early and adequate prenatal care,

5.) helping health care providers learn ways to help reduce the risk of early delivery, and

6.) advocating for access to insurance to improve maternity care and infant health outcomes.

As part of this effort, the Michigan Chapter community grants program is designed to invest in priority projects that further the
March of Dimes mission, support national campaign objectives, and further our strategic goal of reducing disparities in birth outcomes.
Proposals will be accepted from organizations with the capacity, competence and experience to accomplish project goals and objectives.
Priority will be given to projects that, based on community needs, address increased access to care and/or prevention services to help reduce disparities in preterm birth. Project interventions may be provider and/or consumer focused.

ELIGIBILITY
In order to be eligible to receive a March of Dimes chapter grant, an organization must be an incorporated not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
or for profit organization or government agency. The March of Dimes does not award grants to individuals. Applicants must
disclose any conflict of interest due to representation by their organization on the chapter’s Program Services Committee or the
Chapter or Division Board of Directors.

FUNDING AVAILABLE
The applicant must provide services in Michigan’s geographic boundaries. The chapter community grants fund for 2009 is
approximately $313,000. It is anticipated that 10-13 projects will be funded, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 each.
Chapter community grants are approved for one year.

LETTER OF INTENT FORMAT
The first step in the application process is to submit a Letter of Intent. The letter is limited to two pages and must address the following
eight questions:
1. Which of the funding priorities is the project addressing?
2. Who is the target audience?
3. How many people will the project reach?
4. What are the measurable objectives?
5. How will project success be evaluated?
6. What impact will the project have?
7. What is the amount of funding requested?
8. What are the major budget categories?
Proposals must address at least one of the funding priorities listed in this brochure (see priorities a-j). An original and 5 copies of the Letter of Intent must be received in the chapter office by Friday, April 4, 2008. Please also attach a page with your organization’s name and mailing address, and the phone, fax and e-mail (if applicable) of a contact person. E-mailed or faxed proposals will not be accepted.

REVIEW AND NOTIFICATION
A multi-disciplinary Program Services Committee will review the Letters of Intent. Applicants selected to submit a full proposal
will be notified by June 30, 2008. Full proposals will be due to the chapter by Sept 5, 2008. Please be advised that Letters of Intent
and proposals are non-binding. Please Note: March of Dimes chapter community grants do not fund scientific research projects. For information about research grants funded by the March of Dimes national office, please refer to the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com, or e-mail the Office of Research and Grants Administration at researchgrants@marchofdimes.com. For a list of allowable and unallowable expenses, please contact us.

For Additional Information Contact:
Kara Hamilton Brennan
State Director of Program Services
March of Dimes
Michigan Chapter
27600 Northwestern Highway
Suite 150
Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: 248-359-1550
Fax: 248-213-4923
E-mail: kbrennan@marchofdimes.com