<P> March of Dimes is a United States nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of mothers and babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality . </P> <P> The organization was founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio . The name "March of Dimes" was coined by Eddie Cantor . After funding Jonas Salk's polio vaccine, the organization expanded its focus to the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality . In 2005, as preterm birth emerged as the leading cause of death for children worldwide, research and prevention of premature birth became the organization's primary focus . </P> <P> March of Dimes improves the health of mothers and babies through five programming areas: medical research, education of pregnant women, community programs, government advocacy, and support of pregnant women and mothers . The organization provides women and families with educational resources on baby health, pregnancy, preconception and new motherhood, as well as supplying information and support to families in the NICU who are affected by prematurity, birth defects, or other infant health problems . </P> <P> The organization began in 1938 as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis . In 1976 it became known as the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation . In 2007, the formal name became the March of Dimes Foundation . </P>

What does march of dimes raise money for