State of Birth Equity: Impact Analysis

We are excited to share the first impact analysis report from the State of Birth Equity: Catalyzing Place-Based Philanthropy (SOBE) initiative.

Founded upon the belief that many vital policy and organizing tools for improving maternal health reside at the state level, SOBE is the technical assistance arm of The State Exchange for Maternal Health—a platform where funders share best practices for public-private partnerships; direct more funding to state-level initiatives; and strengthen existing health systems by ensuring resources go where they are needed most.

For the past three years, SOBE has provided catalytic support to partners across the country, helping to seed and convene early conversations, accelerate efforts, and amplify impact at state and community levels. This report documents meaningful progress towards birth equity made by funders and partners in nine states and what we’ve learned in the process about the value of collaboration.

Highlights:

• Our $340,000 investment catalyzed an additional $1.4 million in funding for birth equity work from state funders, including in Washington, DC, where the Washington Area Women’s Foundation launched a new Maternal Health and Birth Equity portfolio.

• Funders report more unified and organized philanthropic communities—for example, in Illinois, where 11 funders spanning across Reproductive Justice, Maternal and Child Health, and Early Childhood have formed a new collaborative.

• State funders have also deepened relationships with government and grassroots leaders, such as in Tennessee, where the Department of Health’s Maternal and Child Health Division is partnering with funders for the first time.