Each year, nearly 1 in 10 infants in the United States is admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), reflecting the specialized care many newborns require. In 2023, the NICU admission rate was 9.8%, up from 8.7% in 2016, a 13% increase over seven years (CDC, 2025).
In the Midwest, spanning states from the Great Lakes to the Plains (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin), families often face distinctive NICU challenges. These can include limited access to specialized neonatal facilities in rural areas, higher travel costs, or separation from older children and extended family during prolonged hospital stays.
Across this region, state-by-state NICU admission rates and preterm birth grades vary. For example, Illinois and Michigan maintain admission rates near the national average, while states like Minnesota and Ohio show slightly higher preterm birth rates. According to the March of Dimes 2024 report card, most Midwestern states received grades ranging from “B-” to “C,” reflecting ongoing disparities in access to prenatal and neonatal care.
To help, we’ve compiled a guide to Midwest region NICU resources that provide peer support, financial assistance, care packages, and community connections. These programs are here to help families feel more supported, less isolated, and better equipped to navigate their NICU journey.
Bookmark this guide or share it with a friend, because no family should have to walk the NICU journey alone.
Midwest Region NICU Resources
Rae Strong Foundation
Summary: The Rae Strong Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) based in Illinois that supports families of micro-preemies in the Chicagoland area through grants and educational support.
What They Offer:
Grants for Families & Not-for-Profits: Financial assistance for families and funding to nonprofit organizations that support families of micro-preemies.
Fundraising Events: Hosts community events, such as volleyball tournaments, to raise awareness and funds.
Educational Support: Shares resources, stories, and informational materials for micro-preemie families.
Location: Chicagoland area, Illinois.
Visit Rae Strong Foundation’s website here
Little Giraffe Foundation
Summary: Based in Chicago, the Little Giraffe Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) dedicated to supporting NICU families and funding neonatal research to improve outcomes for premature infants.
What They Offer:
Neonatal Research Grants: Supports research to enhance survival rates and quality of life for NICU graduates.
Holiday Gift Deliveries: Partners with 21 Chicago-area hospitals (plus select hospitals in Colorado and Florida) to deliver gift bags and spread hope throughout the year.
Community Engagement: Hosts awareness campaigns and fundraising events to sustain their mission.
Location: Chicago, Illinois; some nationwide reach.
Visit Little Giraffe’s website here
Triple Heart Foundation
Summary: Triple Heart Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) based in Springfield, Illinois that provides books and care packages to NICU families, offering comfort and connection through shared stories and support.
What They Offer:
Book Donations: Distributes books to hospitals throughout Illinois and accepts requests from families and hospitals nationwide.
Care Packages: Sends care packages to NICU families across the country to provide encouragement during their stay.
Location: Based in Springfield, Illinois; serves families nationwide.
Visit Triple Heart Foundation’s website here
Minnesota Neonatal Foundation
Summary: The Minnesota Neonatal Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) that funds education, equipment, and family support programs to improve NICU care across the state.
What They Offer:
Parent Connect: Offers a private Facebook group for NICU families in Minnesota and weekly virtual support groups.
NICU Parent Navigator: On-site navigators in participating NICUs provide peer support and connect families to local resources.
Book Donations: Aims to provide a book to every NICU parent in Minnesota.
Community Outreach: Hosts events and partnerships to strengthen NICU family care.
Location: Minnesota, USA.
Visit Minnesota Neonatal Foundation’s website here
Other Resources:
Ronald McDonald House Charities - Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois (RMHC-EIWI)
Every NICU journey is unique, but no parent has to face it alone. Whether you’re seeking peer mentorship, virtual support groups, care packages, or educational resources, these regional programs can provide guidance, connection, and practical help.
For even more support, visit our digital resource hub (currently being compiled) for additional programs and tools. If you know of other NICU resources that have made a difference, please share them with us at editorial@connectingmothersinitiative.org