Black History Month is a time for celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history. We are inspired by stories like that of Mary Francis Hill Coley, who, beginning in the 1930s, delivered more than 3,000 babies during her career as a midwife. She was recognized as a healer, an advocate for healthy babies, and a liaison between the healthcare system and her community—a true pioneer in addressing birth equity.
Today, bi3 continues to prioritize birth equity and foster maternal health. We’re excited to support local organizations in hosting events this April for Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW). We’ll fuel ideas and events that build awareness, activism, and a sense of community while amplifying Black women’s voices and lived experiences. (You’ll find more funding application details below!)
As we look to the past, we know funders have historically underinvested in Black-led organizations. bi3 has intentionally increased our investments in Black-led organizations to build solutions with communities, announcing $6.5 million in transformational grants last Fall.
We are also investing in smaller, Black-led grassroots organizations and fueling more ideas from those with lived experience. Our Tribe, one of our Black Empowerment Works bi3 Health Equity Fund grantees, recently shared how bi3 funding helped open even more doors in the community to support the Black Autism community.
As bi3 leads the way to a day when every person has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible, we continue to draw inspiration from Black leaders in the past who worked tirelessly to improve health in their communities and continue to be motivated by the passion and dedication we see in our grant partners today.
Jill Miller
President & CEO, bi3
bi3 NEWS
bi3 Funding Opportunity: Black Maternal Health Week
Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is a week of awareness, activism, and community building aimed at supporting and amplifying the voices of Black mamas.
bi3 is offering organizations the opportunity to apply for funding of up to $5,000 to host events April 11-17. Examples include birth resource fairs and wellness events, Black maternal health advocacy training, community baby showers, or events celebrating Black moms. All events must be open and free to the public. Preference will be given to organizations that have demonstrated a focus on Black maternal health equity and experience engaging with Black communities.
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 29, 2024. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by March 8, 2024.
Grantee Spotlight: Blaq Birth Circle
Last year, bi3 awarded Blaq Birth Circle $200,000 in funding to fuel a professional support network for Black birth workers, including doulas. The grant fosters continuing education and builds the Black birth workers’ community, ultimately improving the quality of care to Black birthing families.
Blaq Birth Circle’s Jamaica Gilliam shares how bi3’s investment has helped build and foster the local doula community to better serve Black moms and babies.
Two bi3 leaders named YWCA Career Woman of Achievement
Congratulations to bi3’s President & CEO Jill Miller and Bethesda Inc. Board member Christie Kuhns on being recognized as one of the 2024 YWCA Career Women of Achievement Honorees.
Through Jill’s guidance, bi3 has become a leading health funder with more than $100 million in health-focused grants awarded. Jill is a champion for racial equity and leader in addressing health disparities in our community.
Christie is President & CEO Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, where she works to challenge the impact of racism and sexism while fostering equality and peace for all. Christie oversees a staff of 80 to advocate, educate and encourage economic development.
Congratulations to all this year’s honorees and their diverse contributions to our community.
This year’s honorees will be recognized at the 2024 YWCA Career Women of Achievement Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8.
For more updates on the work of bi3 and our funded partners, be sure to follow us on social media!
