At the Midwives College of Utah (MCU), financial barriers should never prevent students from accessing the professional resources they need to become midwives of excellence. That’s why we actively pursue philanthropic partnerships that directly enhance student success, and we’re celebrating a perfect example of how targeted giving transforms lives.
The Power of Strategic Philanthropy
One anonymous donor’s $500 investment has secured National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) membership for every degree-seeking MCU student enrolled between May 20, 2025 and May 19, 2026. This is the kind of high-impact, donor-powered investment that helps build the future of equitable, community-rooted birth care.
“This is exactly the kind of giving that creates measurable, lasting change. One $500 investment directly impacts MCU with measurable, student-centered results that both the donor and our students can see and feel. It demonstrates how strategic philanthropy creates ripple effects far beyond the initial gift,” says Kristi Ridd-Young, MCU’s Director of Strategic Communication.
Why NACPM Membership Matters
The NACPM serves as the most powerful collective voice for Certified Professional Midwives (CPM), actively influencing birth health policy and supporting excellence in the profession. Students gain access to:
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- Policy advocacy training and engagement opportunities
- Continuing education resources and professional development
- National networking with midwifery leaders
- Career advancement support and mentorship
This partnership ensures that every student, regardless of financial circumstance, has equal access to these career-defining resources.
“Being part of a national organization providing direct connection to policy advocacy, continuing education, and the professional network that shapes midwifery practice nationwide ensures stronger practitioners and better outcomes for the families they serve. We’re deeply grateful to our donor for investing in our students and the future of midwifery. This is a great opportunity for our students and the communities they serve,”says Erin Davis, MCU’s Director of Student Success.
Your Investment Opportunity: Sustaining This Impact
The Challenge: This benefit is currently funded for just one year—but with your support, it doesn’t have to stop there.
The Opportunity: With additional philanthropic support, MCU can expand this program and create similar barrier-removing initiatives for future students. Join over20 strategic donors who have already invested in MCU student success this year.
Make Your Impact: A $500 annual commitment sponsors NACPM membership for an entire cohort (like our anonymous donor just did). Additional gifts, smaller and larger, combined create a similar impact:
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- $500 = Would purchase NACPM membership beyond May 2026
- $1,000 = Supports existing academic initiatives
- $1,500 = Funds the Community Relief Fund (formerly titled the Emergency Relief Fund), a vital safety net, offering emergency support for students in crisis.
- $3,000 = Subsidizes student retention tools
- $5,000 = Enables Writing and Tutoring programs and services for students
- $12,000 = Funds one year of OVID, a comprehensive online research library
- $50,000 = Allows the Briana Blackwelder Equal Access Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for multiple students for an entire year
How Your Gift Creates Lasting Change
When you invest in MCU students, you’re not just supporting individual careers- you’re strengthening the entire midwifery profession’s capacity to improve maternal and infant health outcomes nationwide. Every professionally connected graduate becomes a more effective advocate, practitioner, and leader in their communities, ultimately serving thousands of families in their career.
MCU’s proactive approach to securing resources like this reflects our commitment to continuously enhancing student value while maintaining accessible, high-quality education. We actively identify opportunities that benefit our students and seek partners who share our vision.
Ready to Make Your Impact?
Join our community of strategic philanthropists who understand that removing barriers creates stronger midwives and healthier communities. We invite foundations, donors, and partners to help us build on this success. With your support, we can sustain and expand initiatives like these—ensuring every student midwife has the tools, connections, and confidence to lead.
If you’re passionate about equitable midwifery education, maternal health, or birth justice, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Help MCU remove barriers to education while elevating excellence in care. To support this initiative or learn more about how you can fund high-impact student programs:
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- Donate online through our secure donation portal
- Contact fundraising@midwifery.edu
- Learn more