Rx Kids is the nation’s first citywide parent and infant cash prescription program. Rx Kids aims to provide all pregnant people in participating cities with a no-strings-attached cash prescription of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month throughout the baby’s first year, the most economically vulnerable and developmentally important time in a family and child’s life.

Launched in Flint in January 2024, the Rx Kids team is now expanding this historic, life-changing, community-partnered pilot with other Michigan communities. Rx Kids will launch in the City of Kalamazoo in February of 2025, and as soon as there is an official launch date, more information will be shared widely through local media and on Rx Kids social media (@rxkidsus on Facebook and Instagram).

The program itself will be administered by an organization called GiveDirectly and after the City of Kalamazoo launch date, the simple application to enroll will be found here: https://rxkids.org/.

To apply for Kalamazoo Rx Kids once it launches, you will need to provide documents that verify your eligibility:

1. your identity,
2. your residency in the City of Kalamazoo,
3. your pregnancy/guardianship status, verifying a projected due date or birth that takes place after the launch date of the program. Births that occur before the program launch date will not be eligible.

Note: There are a variety of documents that are accepted to document each of these elements. 

If you believe you may be eligible, you are welcome to explore the website linked above which has a lot of great information on what is needed to enroll and other Frequently Asked Questions. The application for Kalamazoo is not yet available on the site, but once it launches, the application is designed to be simple and easy to complete in approx. 15 minutes on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

If you are in need of resources now or believe you may not be eligible based on the above information, we encourage you to visit Cradle Kalamazoo’s website for a list of resources or you can complete their Intake Form if you would like a Cradle Kalamazoo staff person to reach out to you to discuss programs and services available for individuals across Kalamazoo County.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation holds the local Kalamazoo Rx Kids Fund and is thrilled to play a critical role in an innovative and impactful program that aligns so closely with our mission, vision, and strategic goals.

If you wish to make a grant suggestion from your KZCF Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to the Kalamazoo Rx Kids Fund, you can do so via Kalamazoo Connect. Instructions on how to do so can be found here.

Interested in making a gift of stock or other appreciated asset? Please contact a member of our Philanthropic Services & Development Team to learn more: Email the Team or call 269-381-4416.

If you have questions about the Rx Kids program or KZCF’s role in the project, please contact Alyssa Stewart, Chief Community Impact Officer, at astewart@kzcf.org.