STLBFC LACTATION PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FUND
PURPOSE:
The St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition Educational Scholarship supports individuals pursuing education and professional development that strengthens clinical lactation care in the metro St. Louis area. Scholarship funds are intended to reduce financial barriers to participation in approved educational opportunities that prepare individuals to provide evidence-based lactation support in clinical and community settings.
These funds help increase accessibility to skilled lactation support by increasing the number of qualified lactation professionals, particularly in underserved communities and areas with limited access to lactation services. The scholarship also supports professional development that strengthens maternal-child health knowledge, clinical skills, and systems of care for breastfeeding families across the metro St. Louis area.
Examples of eligible opportunities may include:
- Lactation education courses
- Clinical skills workshops
- Conference registration
- Exam preparation programs
- Professional certification preparation
- Continuing education related to lactation, maternal-child health, or infant feeding
ADMINISTRATION OF FUND: The Lactation Professional Support Fund Committee will be comprised of the treasurer and at least two additional volunteer STLBFC members, who are appointed by the board. The Lactation Professional Support Committee will review applications for funding, determine eligibility, and solicit contributions from the community at large to maintain and grow this fund. At times, funding may not be available for each application based on available funding for distribution, and/or multiple applicants. Eligible applicants are encouraged to reapply bi-annually.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS:
#1 Active STLBFC member in good standing, as defined by bylaws and membership eligibility requirements including attendance and participation requirements and dues paid.
#2 Involvement in STLBFC activities, and demonstrates their passion for supporting lactation by serving in the capacity of supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies in the STLBFC metro area.
- Examples may include: volunteering consistently in breastfeeding or lactation-related community programs, groups, or organizations, leading or assisting at support meetings, mentoring families, organizing local events.
#3 Interested in growing their knowledge and skills in lactation; whether through community work, further study, or eventually continuing their path toward becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
#4 Share briefly about your volunteer journey; what you do, why it matters, and how you hope to keep supporting families through lactation work.
#5 Add one reference or note of support. This could be from someone familiar with your work such as a fellow volunteer, regional coordinator, volunteer organization team member, or a lactation professional.
#6 Stated financial need, and any previous or additional funding granted from STLBFC or other sources.
PROCEDURE:
#1 Contact Lactation Professional Support Fund Committee with a request in writing for a specific educational or certification program that funds are being requested for in advance of anticipated date of needed funding by as much time as possible.
#2 Submit a budget for requested amount of money.
#3 Attach registration/application forms for specific program or test for which funding is being requested.
#4 Explain in writing how this program or test, that funds are being requested for, will benefit the recipient.
#5 Include a statement of how recipient will use this education/certification to benefit breastfeeding mothers and babies in the STL metro area, and of recipient’s plans for involvement and/or networking with STLBFC activities.
#6 The Lactation Professional Support Fund Committee will respond to the applicant to approve or deny application within 10 (business) days of receiving applications. Any approved funds will be distributed at that time.
Non-discrimination statement:
The St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition is committed to equal opportunity and fair access in all scholarship activities. Scholarship applications are reviewed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socioeconomic status, immigration status, professional discipline, geographic location, or any other protected characteristic. Selection is based on demonstrated interest, potential impact, and alignment with STLBFC’s mission to strengthen breastfeeding support.
In the event of a LPS Fund committee impasse, the below scoring criterion may be used.
| Criteria | Points |
| Alignment with coalition mission | 10 |
| Educational impact | 10 |
| Applicant commitment | 10 |
| Potential community benefit | 10 |
| Financial need | 10 |
Total: 50 points