Doula Capacity Scholarship Fund

Applications open now through February 16, 2026

Baltimore City faces significant racial disparities in maternal and infant health, with adverse birth outcomes disproportionately affecting low-income families and communities of color. The Baltimore City Maternal Mortality Review (MMR) and Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) teams have identified increasing doula accessibility for high-risk mothers as a critical strategy to reduce maternal and infant mortality. However, barriers to Medicaid certification — such as cost and limited support—prevent many doulas from obtaining certification and serving Medicaid-insured mothers. To address these challenges, the Baltimore City Doula Capacity Scholarship Fund will support doulas in obtaining Medicaid certification and integrating into Baltimore City’s care coordination system. By removing financial and logistical barriers, this program aims to create a sustainable pathway for doulas to provide essential support to high-risk mothers, ultimately improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The Baltimore Civic Fund serves as the grant program administrator, while Sweet Bee Services will serve as the service provider in partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department.

Sweet Bee Services will train Baltimore City residents to become community-based doulas prepared to support families in Baltimore’s hospitals, including those receiving Medicaid. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, CPR certification, and liability insurance support, participants are equipped to meet Maryland Medicaid credentialing requirements. Together, we are building a pipeline of culturally responsive doulas committed to birth equity and community care.