Indianapolis, IN — The Bridge Project, in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, today announced the launch of the BIRTH (Building Independent Resilient Thriving Homes) Fund in Indianapolis. Eligible residents may now apply via The Bridge Project’s website to become one of the 100 program participants selected for this unconditional cash initiative, which aims to improve the health and stability of families in neighborhoods with the highest infant mortality rates. 

Funding for the payments is fully philanthropic, with local support from the Indianapolis Foundation, Glick Philanthropies, Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Elevance Health, and private donors. 

“Every person should have the opportunity to meet their basic needs and reach their full potential,” said Marianne Glick, chair of the Glick Family Foundation, a Glick Philanthropies initiative. “When those needs are met, pathways to economic mobility become accessible. Through the BIRTH Fund, new mothers will be supported in preparing and caring for themselves and their babies so, together, they can live their best lives.”

Selected participants will receive direct cash payments with no restrictions on use for 36 months including:

• A $1,125 one-time upfront prenatal stipend,

• $750 per month for the first 15 months,

• $375 per month for the following 21 months.

Recipients will also have access to comprehensive supports including healthcare interventions, community resource connections and adult education opportunities. The initiative will also utilize community health workers to help families understand their benefits and access essential services ranging from transportation and childcare to safe sleep courses and nutritional assistance.

Eligibility requirements:

• 18 and older,

• 24 weeks pregnant or less,

• Must reside in Indianapolis zip codes with the highest infant mortality challenges for Black families: 46241, 46222, 46237, 46219, 46218, 46201 and 46235,

• Have a household income of $39,000 or below.

“Through the BIRTH Fund, we are not only providing critical financial resources at a pivotal moment, but also investing in the strength and potential of mothers and babies who have long been denied equitable access to security, opportunity and health," said The Bridge Project's Executive Director, Suzanna Fritzberg. "Our aim is to ensure every family has what they need to welcome their children in safety and with hope for a brighter future.”

Currently, there are 13 zip codes in Marion County that have rates of infant mortality that are 200% higher than the national average; 4 that are over 300% higher. That means every year, families in Marion County are losing parents and children at 2-3 times the national average. The data also shows those that suffer most from high rates of maternal morbidity and infant mortality are from Black, non-Hispanic, or A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households.

"It is important that we as a community take action to ensure the best health outcomes for our future generation and those bringing them into this world,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “The BIRTH Fund will help uplift some of the most vulnerable in our city, improving the quality of life for mothers and their infants. I am thankful for the philanthropic generosity that made this life changing pilot program possible.” 

The program’s partners include the Indianapolis Foundation, Regenstrief Institute, Goodwill Nurse Family Partnership and a network of local healthcare and community organizations.

Evaluation of the program’s impact will be conducted by the Regenstrief Institute in coordination with The Bridge Project to assess the program’s impact on maternal and infant health, healthcare access, educational attainment and overall family stability.