Community Birth Project
Developed in response to Hawai'i's maternal healthcare crisis, this program provides financial assistance to both families seeking birth workers and birth workers pursuing or continuing their education.
Our goal is simple: to give families access to care that is safe, dignified and empowering. By investing in access to care as well as workforce development, our program helps to ensure that local families have local options.
How it Works
Families Seeking Birthworkers
APPLICATION
Applications are accepted during the first three weeks of every month. In the final week, the application will close and all families are notified of acceptance or non-acceptance.
You must create an account with PBC to access the application.
ELIGIBILITY
Are you a family in need of birth or postpartum support? Families who can demonstrate financial and/or circumstantial need are encouraged to apply.
AWARD AMOUNT
Awards consist of:
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$100 per visit for lactation care & pelvic floor therapy (up to three visits)
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$1000 for doula care
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$2000 for midwifery care.
While our goal is to help close the gap between the cost of care and what families can afford, we recognize that awards may not cover the full cost of services. This scholarship is intended to be supplementary, and any remaining balance is the responsibility of the applicant, as determined by the practitioner.
PAYMENT
Upon completion of care, Pacific Birth Collective pays the practitioners directly for services provided.
Birthworkers Seeking Education
APPLICATION
The first round of application will open on January 13, 2026 at 10am and close on February 15, 2026 at 11:59pm.
You must create an account with PBC to access the application.
ELIGIBILITY
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We are currently able to make awards to:
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Birthworkers pursuing a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) Credential
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Birthworkers pursuing midwifery licensure in the State of Hawai'i
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Applicants must currently reside in Hawai'i and be able to demonstrate a long term investment in remaining in Hawai'i to serve our local communities.
AWARD AMOUNT
Awards will range from $1,000–$30,000, depending on need, eligibility, and available funding.
PAYMENT
Educational awards are paid directly to training providers whenever possible. In cases where direct payment is not available, reimbursement or partial advance stipends may be offered to reduce financial barriers.
Payment method is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the applicant’s financial circumstances, program requirements, and administrative feasibility.
Types of Care We Cover
Doula
A doula is a trained a support professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doulas do not provide medical care, diagnose conditions, or perform clinical procedures. Instead, they focus on comfort, advocacy, education, and continuity of support while working alongside licensed medical providers. There are typically two types of doulas:
Birth Doula
A birth doula is a support person who helps birthing people and their partners prepare for childbirth and provides continuous emotional and physical support during labor and birth. Birth doulas do not perform medical exams, give medical advice, or make clinical decisions. They may attend births in hospitals or at home, alongside a licensed midwife, physician, or medical care team.
Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula is a caregiver who supports families after the baby is born. They do not attend the birth or provide medical care. Their role focuses on practical and emotional support during the postpartum period, such as meal preparation, infant and sibling care, emotional support for the birthing parent, and guidance with feeding and recovery.
