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Scholarships and grants


  • The March of Dimes awards community-based program grants.
  • Scholarships are available for graduate perinatal nurses.
  • The Agnes Higgins Award spotlights maternal-fetal nutrition.

Scholarships, grants and awards promote and reward excellence

Every year the March of Dimes provides millions of dollars in grants and scholarships. We support community programs and education for professionals. Our aim is to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Program grants

The March of Dimes funds maternal-child health community grants in collaboration with our local chapters. External organizations can apply for funding to support programs working to improve the health of mothers and babies. For more information, contact your local March of Dimes chapter.

Graduate nursing scholarships

To recognize and promote excellence in nursing care of mothers and babies, the March of Dimes offers several $5,000 scholarships annually to registered nurses enrolled in graduate programs of maternal-child nursing. The March of Dimes Nurse Advisory Council, a group of distinguished perinatal nurses, chooses the recipients. Applications are due every January.

Agnes Higgins Award

This annual award for maternal-fetal nutrition honors the late Agnes Higgins of the Montreal Diet Dispensary for her innovation and years of service to the cause of improved maternal nutrition. A pioneer in devising methods of nutritional assessment and counseling, Mrs. Higgins greatly advanced the understanding of eating healthy as a crucial factor in healthy pregnancy and prevention of low birthweight. The Agnes Higgins Award is presented in recognition of distinguished achievement in research, education or clinical services in the field of maternal-fetal nutrition.

See also: Nursing education program, Research grants, 2012 Nurse of the Year Award Recipients


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