Finding Funding to Attend the ICM Congress: Ten Ideas to Help Midwives

Midwifery thrives on connection, collaboration, and continued learning. Every three years, the ICM Congress provides midwives from around the world the opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world, present their work, share their challenges, and learn from each other. It’s more than a professional development opportunity, it’s a chance to connect with a global community that shares a dedication to the health of women, gender diverse people, and newborns, and renew your own passion, even in these very difficult times for sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health. 

However, the cost of attending Congress can often be a barrier, especially for midwives working in low-resource settings or in independent practice. While the ICM call for bursaries has been closed, there are a few funding options that exist, and we have provided ten practical avenues that you can explore.

1. Your national or local midwives’ association 

Many midwives’ associations offer travel grants or bursaries for members attending international events. This is especially true if you have a role in the work of your MA, for example in the governance structure, or as a volunteer (if you’re not an active member of your MA, join and start volunteering now to ensure you can ask for funding in 2029!) 

2. Employers 

If you work in a facility or health service, your employer may be able to provide you with funding for professional development. You may also wish to explain to your employer how Congress is also an opportunity to expand your network for future collaborations, projects and partnerships. In this way, Congress attendance is an investment. 

3. Project, university or research grants 

If you are affiliated with or have a relationship with an NGO or academic institution, you may be able to seek funding to attend Congress through a project, university or research grant. Explain how attending Congress will help you reach the goals or deliverables in the project or grant, or perhaps organise a project or research meeting in the days before or after Congress to make the alignment clear. 

4. National or global health foundations 

Some foundations offer scholarships for midwives to attend international events. Explore the possibilities you have in your country. 

5. UN agencies 

If you have national or regional offices of UNFPA or WHO in your country, you may want to contact them to see if they are offering funding for midwives to attend Congress. Again, remember to frame your ask so that it aligns with their strategy and objectives. 

6. Government bodies 

Some government ministries or health authorities provide funding for health professionals to attend global conferences. Do some research to see what is available locally. 

7. Corporate sponsorships 

Some companies in your country may offer scholarships or funding for health professionals to attend international events like Congress. Ensure these companies follow ethical norms, however, and keep in mind that ICM does not accept any funding from companies that breach the WHO Code on the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. 

8. Local charities or Rotary clubs 

Some community organisations offer support for essential health professionals like midwives to attend educational events. Research what is available in your country. 

9. Crowdfunding 

There are two ways to crowdfund, one is the old-fashioned way where you ask friends, family and collaborators to contribute to a fund that you will use to attend Congress. Create a budget and fundraising goal and ask for all types of contributions – small or large. Remember to make a plan for what to do with the funds you raise if you do not reach your goal. 

The second option uses a digital platform like GoFundMe, where you can ask for contributions in a similar way, but from a broader audience. This option requires you to be creative in your online marketing and communications, and may mean you can get contributions from friends, family and supporters who do not live near you. Online crowdfunding can also be fun! 

10. Register early 

Finally, register early for Congress to take advantage of earlybird registration rates, which are available until 03 March 2026. 

Do you have more ideas or strategies? Email them to us at [email protected] so we can share them with our global community!  

Don’t be scared to ask for support. Remember, people usually want to help, you just have to ask and tell them how. Your voice and your presence matter, and together we all make the global midwifery community stronger. We hope to see you at Congress in June!