We’re excited to share transformative updates from Funders for Birth Justice and Equity (FBJE). Over the past year, we’ve reimagined our leadership, deepened our commitment to equity, and launched new ways for community leaders and funders to lead together. From our evolving governance model to welcoming new leadership, here’s what’s new—and what’s next.
We’ve Launched A New Leadership Structure
We’ve launched a new leadership structure that ensures funders and movement leaders lead together. Our previous structure included a Steering Committee of funders and a Community Council of movement leaders. But to live into our values, we knew we had to go further—replacing hierarchy with shared governance.
Now, FBJE is led by a Governance Committee made up of five Funders and five Movement/Community Leaders.
Together, they co-create strategy and ensure accountability to the communities we serve through shared decision making.
Introducing FBJE Working Groups
Our new Working Groups are action hubs driving strategy and impact across the field. Each is open to members and co-led by both funders and community leaders.
1. Resourcing Community-Based Organizations
How do we meet CBO needs now?
2. Funder Activation & Support
How do we support funders to take bold, aligned action?
3. Funder Change Advocacy
How do we grow the number of aligned funders?
4. Bridge-Building
How do we build shared language and strategies across sectors?
Working Groups will launch over the summer for a start in the fall.
Honoring Our Legacy: A Note on Betsy
This season marks a major leadership transition as Betsy McNamara moves out of her leadership role with FBJE. We honor Betsy’s foundational work in building and nurturing this network from a handful of funders to a thriving community of over 225. Betsy always saw the power of centering midwives, birthworkers, and community-based leaders—because she had lived it.
“Both of my children were born with the support of midwives. Those experiences were empowering, personal, and safe. I had access to care that was high quality, affordable and culturally affirming. That should be the norm in the United States—not the exception.”— Betsy
We’re excited to continue this work with Betsy’s wisdom as part of our story—and her legacy as part of our future.
Join Us
FBJE is more than a funder network. We are a movement partner, a bridge, and a catalyst for systems change. Whether you’re new to this work or have been in it for decades, we invite you to become part of this growing movement.