How do I apply for a grant?
Who should apply for a grant?
If you are pregnant and identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, live in East Central Illinois, and are working with a doula or planning a home birth, you may be able to get help. Financial support is available to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy, birth, and recovery.
What is the service area?
The CU Birth Equity Fund grant prioritizes support for pregnant people in Champaign County. If funds are available, grants will be offered to people in surrounding counties as well. The full list of eligible counties is listed in the application form. ​
What does a grant cover?
Grants are used to offset a portion of the fees of the doula and/or homebirth midwife. The money is sent directly to the midwife or doula. You and the midwife or doula can work out a payment plan for the rest of the cost.
How do I use the funds from a grant?
If you are selected to receive the grant and have hired a doula or midwife, funds will be given directly to the doula or midwife who is providing care.
What is a typical grant amount?
A grant will typically fund $1000 toward a home birth midwife and $500-$1000 for a doula.
Are there recommended resources to support my pregnancy and beyond?
Yes, please see our resource page HERE.
What's the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A midwife is a healthcare professional who provides medical care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A doula offers emotional and physical support during these times, but does not provide medical care.
What is the scope of services that a doula provides?
A doula supports the birthing person emotionally and physically during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, helping with comfort techniques and offering guidance but not medical care.
What is the scope of services that a homebirth midwife provides?
A homebirth midwife provides medical care during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. This includes providing prenatal checkups, monitoring labor, delivering or “catching” the baby, appropriate consultation and referral, and handling birth-related emergencies.
What is the typical cost for a homebirth midwife or doula services?
In East Central Illinois, homebirth midwives charge on average $5000 for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. In Champaign county, doula services range from $900-$1500.
Does private insurance or Medicaid cover home birth or doula services?
Some independent midwives work with private insurers or accept Medicaid. You will have to ask your midwife this directly since all are different and many midwives are “cash pay” only. Some doulas may accept Medicaid but most independent doulas are cash pay only. Community-based doulas who work with nonprofits, home visiting, or government programs offer free services but do not attend out-of-hospital births.
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How does a home birth work?
A home birth involves giving birth at home with the assistance of a trained midwife, who provides medical support and ensures the health and safety of the mother/birthing person and baby.
What are the roles of a midwife during birth?
During birth, a midwife monitors the baby and mother / birthing person, manages the birth process, offers medical care, and provides guidance on comfort and pain relief.
What items do I need for a home birth?
For a home birth, you typically need towels, blankets, a birth pool (optional), a plastic sheet, disposable absorbent underpads, receiving or swaddle blanket, and postpartum supplies. Your homebirth midwife will give you a supply list and bring all of her equipment to your home for the birth.
What types of doulas qualify me for a CUB grant?
The CUB grant can be used for a variety of doula services. Have a specific question or idea? Contact us!
How do I find a doula?
These resources can help you find a doula or midwife in our area:
What types of homebirth midwives qualify me for a CUB grant?
The CUB grant will offset the cost of services provided by certified and licensed homebirth midwives. This includes certified professional midwives and certified nurse midwives who are licensed to practice in the state of Illinois.
How do I find a homebirth midwife?
Check out the Illinois Home Birth Midwives Map!