MEETING THE MOMENTMaternal health outcomes in the United States remain far from where they should be. State policy, community-driven solutions, and cross-sector partnerships play a critical role in shaping maternal health outcomes, making states a key site of innovation and systems change.
State-based funders often work closely with communities and government partners but may lack the resources and peer networks to explore new philanthropic approaches. National funders, meanwhile, can lack the visibility, relationships, and local context needed to identify and support what is working. While every state ecosystem is unique, there is significant opportunity for shared learning across states and for stronger coordination between state and national philanthropy.
At a time of shifting policy landscapes and constrained public resources, philanthropy has an opportunity to play an even greater role.
State Exchange helps state and national funders meet this moment by sharing across states, strengthening relationships, and creating pathways for more strategic and coordinated investment in maternal health.
our principlesFunder-Driven
Built as a trusted peer space for funders to strengthen philanthropic practice in alignment with community and state priorities.
State-Centered
Grounded in the belief that state actors are leaders of maternal health innovation and systems change.
Equity-Focused
Committed to addressing the structural drivers of inequity that shape health outcomes.
Collaborative
Designed to strengthen coordination and alignment across philanthropy.
Action-Oriented
Focused on translating experiences and relationships into investment and impact.
Emergent
Shaped by emerging opportunities, challenges, and priorities across states.
Steering Committee
State Exchange is guided by a Steering Committee of philanthropic leaders and maternal health experts who provide strategic direction and help shape the network's priorities and activities.
More information coming soon!
Afton Bloom
State Exchange is facilitated by Afton Bloom, which serves as the network's backbone organization and coordinates strategy, convening, learning, and engagement.
Afton Bloom is a women-led, women-founded consulting firm working to advance gender and racial equity. Their work spans across a variety of interconnected issue areas – including a growing body of work on early childhood and whole family wellness, youth mental health, maternal health and birth justice, economic development, among others.