1927 Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, a polio rehabilitation center, is organized by Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

1932 Franklin Roosevelt is elected President of the United States. 

1934 The Committee for the Celebration of the President’s Birthday holds the first birthday ball to raise money to fight polio by celebrating FDR’s birthday (Jan 30). The President’s Birthday Ball Commission for Infantile Paralysis Research is created. 

1937 FDR announces formation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to “lead, direct, and unify the fight” against polio (Sept 23). 

1938 National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (NFIP) is incorporated in New York state on January 3, with Basil O'Connor as president. Comedian Eddie Cantor in a radio pitch uses the term “March of Dimes” to appeal for funds. The first March of Dimes sends 2,680,000 dimes to the White House. 

1938 NFIP makes the first of a series of research grants to universities, hospitals, and professional associations. 

1939 NFIP creates the local chapter system, organized by counties, to administer its patient aid program. The first March of Dimes chapter is established in Coshocton, Ohio. By 1958 the NFIP had grown to 3100 chapters with 80,000 year-round volunteers and had assisted over 335,000 polio patients with direct financial aid for hospital and medical expenses and for after-care. 

1939 NFIP awards the first grant for professional education, mobilizes professional teams to respond to polio epidemics, and advocates that hospitals accept acute polio cases.