KC Doula Program

Supporting Families. Expanding Access. Building Healthier Futures.

The Kansas City Health Department, in partnership with Community Capital Fund (“CCF”), is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to provide free doula services to Kansas City, Missouri residents. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, this program supports expecting families and expands the reach of vital doulas in our community.

We recognize the profound impact doulas have on improving maternal and infant health outcomes by providing crucial support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Research consistently demonstrates that doula care can contribute to reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor times, and lower instances of postpartum depression, all while enhancing the birthing experience through personalized care, advocacy, and emotional support.

This second phase builds upon the success of the program’s first phase, which launched for applications in June 2025, which provided up to $15,000 per awardee (funded by the American Rescue Plan Act) to strengthen local doula businesses and organizations serving Kansas City, Missouri. Phase 1 focused on capacity-building — supporting continuing education, insurance, business development, administrative needs, and steps toward Medicaid provider status for certified doulas (12+ months of service) operating as legally established businesses or nonprofits within KCMO. Phase 1 expanded the local doula network’s reach and readiness. Phase 2 now brings those strengthened resources directly to families by offering free, comprehensive doula services to Kansas City residents.

  • The KC Doula Scholarship program aims to provide financial assistance to expecting families in Kansas City, MO, enhancing birth experiences, expanding doula reach, and supporting the evolving landscape of doula care. This program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). All doulas for this program must meet the latest Federal Treasury Final Rule Guidelines to be eligible. CCF will communicate to ineligible applicants regarding their status. CCF is administering this fund with a maximum award of $6,000 per awardee.

  • To be eligible for a doula scholarship, residents must be:

    ·      A resident of Kansas City, Missouri

    ·      Pregnant OR recently pregnant

  • To be eligible for a doula scholarship, expecting families must choose a doula who meets the eligibility requirements of:

    • 18 years or older

    • Serving families within the municipal limits of Kansas City, Missouri

    • A legally established business or Nonprofit Organization

    • Certified and having provided services for at least 12 months

    • Be able to provide proof of insurance coverage for services and practice

  • Grant funds can be used to cover a range of doula services that support expecting families, including but not limited to:

    Birth Services: Support during pregnancy and labor.

    • Prenatal visits, continuous labor support, comfort measures, advocacy, partner support.

    Postpartum Services: Assistance for the family after a baby is born.

    • Newborn care guidance, breastfeeding/chest feeding support, emotional support for new parents, light household help (laundry/meal prep), overnight care.

    Specialized Services: Niche or specialized services that meet the needs of the family.

    • Immediate family doula care (sibling, grandparent, partner, etc.), lactation consulting, bereavement support, etc.

    Other Expenses: If you have other specific needs that would support your birth you can include them, but they are subject to pre-approval.

    • Examples: Miscarriage, stillbirth, fertility, conception support.

  • Both the doula and their client must apply for this program together. The client must complete the resident portion of the application for it to be considered valid. Each doula may support up to two clients through this program.

  • CCF, with consultation from KCHD staff, will review applications. As part of this process, CCF may contact applicants to request clarifying information or additional documentation.  Applications will be reviewed based on criteria provided to CCF by KCHD.

    1. Complete and submit quarterly report to confirm Doula is still operating.

    2. Allow recoupment of misused funds

    3. Document expenditures used to address identified need

    4. Permit federal/local audits of funds

    5. Keep records of expenditures for at least five years.

    6. Complete survey of the program.

  • Doulas serving families identified as recipients of this scholarship will have to sign an agreement that outlines their responsibilities for the funds. Residents participating in this program will be required to answer survey questions about the doula services provided.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in one of three ways:

  1. Complete and submit the online form available here.

  2. Download the fillable PDF 2025 KC Doula Application and email completed with attachments to grants@ccfkansascity.org.

  3. Physical copies of the grant application can be picked up at the CCF office. Physical applications can be completed and mailed to: Community Capital Fund, ATTN: KC Doula Program, 3200 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109

Mailed applications should be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

Information Session:

 About the Kansas City Health Department:

The KCHD is dedicated to measurably improving the health and health outcomes of all Kansas City residents through community-directed programs, services, and widespread collaboration, guided by the vision of cultivating an engaged and healthy community. This mission is driven by core values that prioritize community members as engaged partners, transparent and accessible communication, radical ownership and accountability, extensive collaboration on every initiative, data-driven decision-making, and the creation of equitable opportunities for all.