Moms Helpline Prenatal Care Referral Network Grant

The Moms Helpline Prenatal Care Referral Network Grant is offered by the Indiana Department of Health through its Maternal and Child Health Division. This state-level funding opportunity is designed to strengthen early prenatal care access by establishing a coordinated referral network across Indiana. The initiative builds on the Moms Helpline infrastructure, which connects pregnant women to services, by ensuring that referrals result in timely and comprehensive prenatal care appointments. The program is authorized under state legislation and reflects Indiana’s public health priorities around improving maternal and infant outcomes. The primary purpose of the funding is to create a network of prenatal care providers that can seamlessly accept referrals from the Moms Helpline system and deliver early prenatal care services. Participating organizations are expected to integrate with an online referral system, accept and respond to referrals promptly, and ensure that pregnant women receive their first prenatal appointment within two weeks of referral regardless of gestational age. The program emphasizes equitable access by requiring providers to serve all referred individuals regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, and to provide services in the client’s spoken language. Funding supports both implementation-ready organizations and those still in the planning phase. Applicants may apply under different categories depending on their readiness to meet program expectations. Implementation applicants are those close to meeting all requirements and seeking funds to address remaining gaps, while planning applicants are organizations that will use funds to develop the necessary infrastructure and processes. Organizations already meeting all expectations may apply to participate without requesting funding. Allowable uses of funds include operational and programmatic expenses necessary to establish or expand referral capacity, though indirect costs are capped at ten percent and applicants must describe sustainability plans for ongoing operations beyond the grant period. Eligibility is open to organizations located anywhere within Indiana that have experience providing prenatal care. Applications may include partnerships, but a single primary applicant must submit the proposal, and any collaborating organizations must provide letters of support. Priority consideration is given to proposals serving counties with higher-than-average rates of delayed or absent early prenatal care, particularly those exceeding thirty percent. This targeting reflects a strategic focus on areas with the greatest need for intervention. The application process requires submission of a completed application template corresponding to the applicant’s category, along with a budget spreadsheet for those requesting funds and letters of support where applicable. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated program inbox by the stated deadline. Applicants are encouraged to submit written questions in advance, which are compiled and answered publicly on a rolling basis. The review process evaluates completeness, quality, and demonstrated need, and the state may request additional information during evaluation. The timeline for the grant includes a posting date in early March, a webinar for prospective applicants, a question submission deadline in early May, and a final application deadline of May 15, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced in mid-June, with the project period beginning September 1, 2026 and concluding June 30, 2027. Interim reporting is required throughout the project period, with a final report due at the end of July 2027. The program includes ongoing communication and technical assistance from the Indiana Department of Health to support successful implementation and collaboration among grantees.

Ensure alignment with readiness category and clearly demonstrate ability to meet referral expectations and serve all patients regardless of payment; emphasize capacity to provide timely appointments and data reporting