Get Involved
+Advocacy
What is the history of government programs for women and children?
Title V of the Social Security Act, was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935. Title V, or the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services program, pledged support to states to provide services that would protect the "health of our nation's mothers and children."
How can I learn what conditions newborns are screened for in my state?
Two key resources are the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center and the March of Dimes. You can easily compare state programs on our Peristats website.
What federal agencies are involved in premature birth research?
Multiple federal agencies support prematurity-related research but among the most engaged are the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health and Maternal and Infant Health Research within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are charities allowed to lobby?
The March of Dimes is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3), which defines us a charity, meaning that we are exempt from federal income tax and donations to us are tax-deductible for the donors.
This designation stipulates that as a tax-exempt organization, we must be nonpartisan, so we cannot ever endorse a particular politician or political party. And it means our lobbying must be "minimal" - meaning that resources devoted to it are constrained. As long as we stay within that framework, the law and regulations provide that we may lobby at all levels of government.
+Becoming a partner
Does the March of Dimes have year-round volunteer activities?
We have volunteer activities available throughout the year, including some special highlight programs - March for Babies® and our Prematurity Awareness Month® activities. We hold our March for Babies events in communities around the country during the last weekend in April. Our Prematurity Awareness Month activities are held in November. Both are an exciting way for volunteers to learn more about our efforts. Find out more ways to help [hyper linked to volunteer match window] by matching your interest and our events.
How much time would I expect to serve?
Each volunteer opportunity will have its own set of responsibilities and hours required based on the assignment. This commitment can be coordinated with your local March of Dimes staff partner.
As a volunteer leader, will I be working with other volunteers and March of Dimes staff members on these programs, events and projects?
Yes, at the March of Dimes, our volunteers and staff work in partnership on all areas.
What type of volunteer leadership roles are available?
Whether it is serving as a member of one of our local chapter boards, as a special event chair or serving as a member of our Program Services Committee , there are a wide range of volunteer positions available. March of Dimes works to accommodate every volunteer leader based on their passion, skills and interests. To further explore these opportunities, we encourage you to contact your local chapter office.
How can I get more information about serving as a March of Dimes board member or other volunteer leader?
For more information about serving in a leadership role with the March of Dimes, please contact your local chapter office.
How can I get involved?
+Becoming a service partner
What does it mean to be a partner?
March of Dimes national service partners are clubs, organizations, fraternities, sororities and labor groups who have chosen the March of Dimes as a community partner to implement mission programs, participate in fundraising campaigns and recruit additional volunteers to help.
I am a member of one of these groups. How do I get more involved?
Visit the In depth page for your organization, visit their website or contact the March of Dimes national office.
How do I become a partner?
Contact your local March of Dimes chapter or the March of Dimes national office.
+Becoming a volunteer
Does the March of Dimes have year-round volunteer activities?
We have volunteer activities available throughout the year, including some special highlight programs - March for Babies® and our Prematurity Awareness Month® activities. We hold our March for Babies events in communities around the country during the last weekend in April. Our Prematurity Awareness Month activities are held in November. Both are an exciting way for volunteers to learn more about our efforts. Find out more ways to help [hyper linked to volunteer match window] by matching your interest and our events.
How much time would I expect to serve?
Each volunteer opportunity will have its own set of responsibilities and hours required based on the assignment. This commitment can be coordinated with your local March of Dimes staff partner.
As a volunteer leader, will I be working with other volunteers and March of Dimes staff members on these programs, events and projects?
Yes, at the March of Dimes, our volunteers and staff work in partnership on all areas.
What type of volunteer leadership roles are available?
Whether it is serving as a member of one of our local chapter boards, as a special event chair or serving as a member of our Program Services Committee , there are a wide range of volunteer positions available. March of Dimes works to accommodate every volunteer leader based on their passion, skills and interests. To further explore these opportunities, we encourage you to contact your local chapter office.
How can I get more information about serving as a March of Dimes board member or other volunteer leader?
For more information about serving in a leadership role with the March of Dimes, please contact your local chapter office.
How can I get involved?
+Becoming an ambassador
What is a March of Dimes Ambassador?
- A family or individual who shares their story to inspire others and raise awareness
- Celebrities touched by the mission or who are passionate about giving back and raising awareness for stronger healthier babies
- Prominent community leaders advocating for our mission
How are National Ambassador Families chosen?
Families are nominated by local chapters in the spring. One family is chosen by March of Dimes leadership.
What is the National Ambassador Family Program?
The National Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for a volunteer family to help convey the mission of the March of Dimes by sharing their personal experience in publicity and appearances. The family donates its time, and appearances are scheduled through the National Office for chapters that request the National Ambassador Family to visit.
Throughout the year, the National Ambassador Family travels across the country to hundreds of meetings, special events, conferences, and fundraising activities, sharing their compelling story with millions of Americans.
How does my family get involved with March of Dimes?
- Join our online community
- Register for March for Babies
- Become an Ambassador Family: Ambassador children and their families bring a face to the mission of the March of Dimes for your coworkers, friends and sponsors. Ambassador Family members can tell the story of how their lives have been touched by the March of Dimes. Then people can hear and see the connection between their efforts, the well-being of the child standing in front of them, and the health of thousands of other children across the country. Contact your local March of Dimes chapter today.
How can I become a March of Dimes Ambassador?
Contact your local March of Dimes chapter.
+Donations and other gifts
What's your charity rating?
We are a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, and have been rated highly by charity watchdog organizations including BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar and has received a top-rating for accountability and transparency by Charity Navigator. Over 75 percent of funds donated goes directly to support our mission and programs.
Is it true that March of Dimes only gives 10 cents of every donation to those in need?
No, it is not true. This is a common Internet myth and has been debunked numerous times. The experts on Philanthropedia, a division of GuideStar, have identified the March of Dimes as a top nonprofit working in the field of people with disabilities. The March of Dimes is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity and meets all 20 standards listed on the BBB Wise Giving Alliance Web site Give.org. We're proud of our investment in research and programs to give every baby a fighting chance!
What percentage of my donation to the Mom and Baby Relief Fund will go directly to moms and babies impacted by the storm/disaster?
95% of funds will be used to immediately support the relief-related needs of moms and babies. 5% will support ongoing operations to build local capacity and support the health of moms and babies.
Where does the money from March of Dimes Mom and Baby Relief Fund go?
Donations to this fund will support relief and recovery efforts in Hurricane Harvey and Irma-affected regions. Funds will most immediately be used to support the needs of moms and babies as identified by local disaster recovery agencies, March of Dimes NICU Family Support teams, local hospital partners labor and delivery and NICUs.
This includes, but is not limited to clean water; shelter and safe sleeping arrangements for baby; Diapers and baby hygiene essentials; Breastfeeding and nursing equipment; baby formula and bottle supplies; feminine hygiene products; take home kits for moms being discharged from hospitals both from NICU and Labor & Delivery; hotel stays or shelter support for displaced parents with children in NICUs or mothers entering Labor & Delivery; transportation for NICU families; clothing, essentials, and basic health care products to ensure sanitary conditions for families and babies; and nutritional needs for moms and babies.
Once initial relief work is complete, this fund will transition to support longer-term recovery efforts run by vetted local organizations.
How does March of Dimes determine when it will disperse funds from the Relief Fund?
When disaster strikes, March of Dimes will work through our local partners to understand the situation on the ground and the needs identified and requested by the families those organizations serve.
How will local partner organizations be identified? Verified?
March of Dimes already works with hundreds of local hospitals, NICU's, health and community organizations to support the health of moms and babies. These partners are thoroughly vetted through our MCH partnership, community grant and NICU Family Support programs.
Why should we give to you vs. giving to partners directly?
For individuals and corporations that want to provide assistance to moms and babies across the country, March of Dimes is one of the only national organizations with broad capacity of staff and offices across the country. We are uniquely situated to reach, support and educate families wherever they may be in need.
How will the March of Dimes identify needs, convene partner organizations, provide support staff and provide guidance?
March of Dimes already works across government, healthcare providers and community organizations to advance the health of moms and babies. Following a natural disaster, we remain in close contact with these partners to understand, evaluate and address the most current risks impacting the health of moms and babies.
How can I be sure my funds will go to those impacted?
March of Dimes is an accredited by the Better Business Bureau. When you support our work, you can be assured that your dollars are reaching those families most in need. With our partners, we work to ensure any grants or funding include impact reports on who is being assisted.
How will you keep me updated about how my donation is used?
March of Dimes maintains a robust email and social media communications plan to keep donors up to date on progress. Through these channels, as well as, our annual report – you can receive updates on our progress and efforts.
What if I want to make a gift in honor or in memory of someone I know?
You can donate in honor of or in memory of a special someone. An acknowledgement of your generous gift will be sent to family that you chose to make a donation honor or in memory of. You can also create a virtual band through banding together to remember or celebrate someone you love.
+Events
How do I get involved?
Contact us through our website, find local events highlighted throughout our website or contact your local chapter.
Where does the money from these events go?
The money raised through these events goes to funding cutting-edge research and innovative programs to help moms and babies.
What kind of events does the March of Dimes put on?
March of Dimes has a wide variety of activities from formal balls, Signature Chef auctions and dinners, motorcycle rides, golf tournaments to March for Babies.
What March of Dimes events are happening near me?
The March of Dimes has been conducting special events for more than 60 years. These activities - formal balls, signature chef auctions and dinners, motorcycle rides, golf tournaments and March for Babies - help the March of Dimes fund cutting-edge research and innovative programs to save babies. With a wide variety to choose from, there is something for everyone! Contact your local chapter for a March of Dimes Special Event near you!
+Working for the March of Dimes
How can I grow my career with the March of Dimes?
We provide conferences, webinars, online training and one-on-one mentoring. We also have an internal job posting process to enable staff to learn and act on internal career opportunities. We provide relocation support for those staff members who are offered the opportunity to physically relocate.
Can you share more about the work culture at the March of Dimes?
We are a mission-driven organization with a strong local presence in all states plus Puerto Rico. The thousands of volunteers and businesses who partner with us are committed to our mission. Our work sites are professional environments with diversity of staff, high integrity and ethics, strong technology support and excellent employee benefits. Work sites provide the ability to interact with high impact community volunteers regularly.
Has the March of Dimes received any special awards recognizing its commitment to its employees?
Since 2009 the March of Dimes has received prestigious recognition from Working Mother Magazine, which named March of Dimes in its 100 Best Companies list for its parent-friendly workplace and benefits.
Why should I work for the March of Dimes?
The March of Dimes is a major nonprofit organization committed to improving the health of babies, by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. We have a rich legacy of success dating back to 1938 when our organization was founded by Franklin D. Roosevelt to defeat polio. Within 17 years, the Salk vaccine was developed with March of Dimes research funding. The March of Dimes became one of the few organizations to have defeated the threat it was established to fight. With 1,200 staff members committed to our mission in over 200 work locations throughout the United States, we engage with volunteers in communities across the country. Consider joining us in meeting our mission goals!
What career path might I find of interest to me?
Entry level positions at many of our work locations allow for career growth to leadership positions either within the location or at the state/chapter level, regional level or national level.
+Youth volunteer opportunities
Who is part of March of Dimes Team Youth?
What does the March of Dimes offer youth?
Enriching and enduring lifelong experiences through opportunities to:
- Build leadership skills
- Network among like-minded student leaders nationwide
- Give back to communities and make a difference locally
- Become involved in meaningful civic engagement, including advocating for local and national policies
- Be educated about a healthy lifestyle today and in the future
- Earn community service credits and enhance resume
- Develop public speaking skills while building character and self-confidence
Do you have lesson plans and curriculum for students?
For the middle school and early high school audience, check out our Teen-2-Teen program. This three part video series, along with a full curriculum, allows teachers, high school students and other community leaders to share healthy lifestyles information with middle school students and 9th graders.
