About
March of Dimes is a national nonprofit dedicated to the health of moms and babies. Established in 1938 out of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal battle with polio, the organization began life as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis and pioneered the vaccine research that eradicated polio in the United States. It later expanded its focus to birth defects, and today concentrates on maternal health, preterm birth prevention, and infant mortality. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, March of Dimes notes that 1 in 10 babies is born too soon, underscoring the need for its work.
Mission
March of Dimes describes its mission as "ending preventable maternal health risks and death, ending preventable preterm birth and infant death and closing the health equity gap for all families."
What they do
The organization works through a combination of strategic and collaborative efforts across several areas:
- Research into solutions for maternal and infant health
- Advocacy for health-focused policies at the federal and state level
- Prenatal education, support, and pregnancy care resources for families
- Education and resources for healthcare professionals
- NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) family support initiatives
- Mom and Baby Mobile Health Centers that bring care into communities
- Community events and partnerships, including the March for Babies fundraising campaign
History
Founded in 1938 in response to the polio epidemic, the organization funded the research that led to polio's eradication in the U.S. before broadening its work to birth defects and, ultimately, to today's focus on maternal and infant health. The organization writes: "Since 1938, we've built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family."
Scale and impact
Figures published by March of Dimes include:
- 50,000 families reached through its NICU initiatives
- 2,400 patient visits through Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers
- 47,000 policy advocacy actions taken
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (fiscal year 2024), March of Dimes Inc reported total revenue of $83,573,258, total expenses of $86,667,092, and total assets of $64,169,362. Contributions made up the large majority of revenue. The organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 13-1846366) whose federal tax exemption dates to September 1950.
Governance
Per the fiscal 2024 filing summarized by ProPublica, Cynthia H. Rahman began serving as interim President and CEO in June 2024.