March of Dimes and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation launch partnership to advance maternal and infant mental health innovation

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation's philanthropic support will advance the March of Dimes Innovation Fund's investments in early-stage companies focused on improving maternal and infant mental health

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, today announced a partnership with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation that reinforces both organizations' commitment to addressing maternal and infant health. Through a philanthropic commitment to the March of Dimes Innovation Fund, the partnership will support efforts to accelerate solutions addressing maternal and infant mental health.

Maternal mental health conditions are among the most common complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and depression during and after pregnancy can affect hundreds of thousands of families each year with negative outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. For preterm and medically complex infants, repeated painful procedures, sensory overload, and physiological instability can result in developmental vulnerability.  Both maternal and infant mental health during pregnancy and postpartum can have lasting medical, emotional, and economic consequences for mothers, babies, and families.

"As we mark the fourth anniversary of the March of Dimes Innovation Fund, this commitment from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation fuels the power of our Fund to accelerate unique opportunities in the marketplace that will ultimately improve outcomes for moms and babies," said Cindy Rahman, President and CEO, March of Dimes. "Maternal and infant mental health is an underinvested area of need, and by bringing together philanthropic capital, March of Dimes' maternal and infant health expertise, and the ingenuity of early-stage companies, we can accelerate promising solutions and invest in a healthy future for every family."

Through this effort, funding will be dedicated to developing and disseminating an analysis of maternal and infant mental health needs and potential solutions to guide March of Dimes investments in innovative companies.

"Maternal and infant health are among the most urgent challenges affecting families today," said Tyiesha Short, Senior Program Officer, Mental Health & Well-Being, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. "We are proud to support this initiative to accelerate the development of innovative solutions that have the potential to transform care for mothers and babies, improve outcomes, and reduce disparities. By strengthening the ecosystem for maternal and infant mental health innovation, we believe this effort will create a lasting impact for families and communities."

The March of Dimes Innovation Fund combines capital, clinical expertise, and mission leadership to help early-stage companies move evidence-based solutions closer to real-world impact. Over the last four years, the Innovation Fund has invested in six companies focused on improving maternal and infant health. With the support of our philanthropic funders, including the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, we are positioned to continue to invest in companies seeking to make meaningful improvements to maternal and infant outcomes.

Learn more about the March of Dimes Innovation Fund or apply for investment consideration here.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can have the best possible start. Since 1938, we've built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Find us on Facebook and follow us with #marchofdimes and @marchofdimes.

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is a philanthropy founded to help transform lives and communities by uniting people across differences to find common cause. Started in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the foundation has granted more than $1.7 billion to charitable causes. Our collective giving areas are Atlanta's Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. Across these areas, we take on tough challenges by uniting the courage and compassion of our communities so we can all thrive together. 

In addition to the foundation's priority areas of giving, the foundation oversees a large portfolio of grants and enduring founder-led initiatives, including veterans and the military; stuttering; and essential Atlanta nonprofit institutions, such as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Shepherd Center, among others. The foundation will also continue to guide the seven associate-led giving committees operating across the Blank Family of Businesses. For more information, please visit www.blankfoundation.org. 

SOURCE March of Dimes