March of Dimes

Background

Internet Outreach Case Study

In 1938, President Roosevelt established the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, dedicated to fighting polio. When comedian Eddie Cantor made radio appeals to American listeners to send their dimes to help support the effort, the phrase "March of Dimes" was born. In 1979, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis officially changed its name to the March of Dimes.

The March of Dimes was instrumental in funding the research that led to the polio vaccine, which succeeded in virtually eradicating polio from the United States.  So, in 1958, the organization added birth defects, premature birth and low birthweight to the causes it seeks to address. With the help of the March of Dimes, new corrective surgeries are available for many birth defects and a system of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) was launched to care for very sick babies. Millions of babies have been saved as a result.

Today, the March of Dimes operates with a paid staff of about 1,500, supported by more than 3 million volunteers. Total public support and revenue in 2005 was $228 million.  Expenses totaled $218 million, of which $79 million (36%) was dedicated to public and professional education.