Nonprofit midwives?

[Maggi315]

is anyone here running their business as a nonprofit? Or have links to midwifery practices that run as nonprofits?

we are thinking about doing just that. We do lots of outreach, education, really consider this to be aministry. One of my friends runs a nonprofit and thinks we are silly to pay all the taxes and not take advantage of being a nonprofit since we give away so much in time, reduced fees, free education, and even free products (like we give away slings to the teen moms and low income moms)

I would like to learn from others the pros and cons and how they feel it is working out, but when I try to find other midwives online, I am having no luck.

thanks!

[Jane]

Lurking. I think I know someone who had a linked non-profit and a for-profit business, but isn't doing that anymore.

[BetsyS]

My last practice was non-profit, but it was somewhat different, as we were a hospital-based clinic.

I was not involved in the administration side of things, though.

[onlyboys]

I think this is a great idea! Though, I don't have any practical advice for you.

[Zoo Loo Naturals]

3 cheers-what a fantastic idea!

[Charmie981]

I've thought long and hard about this too, because there had been some grants available for people in Louisiana after Katrina. I'm still not decided, but it seems like not such a big deal because nonprofits are allowed to pay their staff salaries and I know none of us would need much more than a salary. I'd have to look into it more, but I'm interested in knowing what you decide .

[MamaRabbit]

: Very interested. I will be doing mostly no-profit here. Already basically no-profit for CBE and doula as well. My last CBE course, I charged US$10 to cover a few expenses. May be somewhat affordable to those particular clients but doesn't exactly help me with my books and education does it! (Though those nice wealthy expats who want a doula for "pampering" get charged nicely )

[Maggi315]

sorry, haven't been back to thread, been a busy week, seeing clients everyday for one thing or another:

I have talked with others doing nonprofits and found it is not a complicated process. the hardest part is writing up your articles, but really you can just make them very basic and snag parts of others (with permission, of course!). then you pay the fee and file. You need a board with a minimum of 3 people and a minimum amount of board meetings (2? or maybe 4?). You do give up some of the control since the board can vote on things.

there is a document on the irs.gov site that explains more. i;m still confused about what is tax deductible donation and what isn't. someone told me that all the fees clients would pay would be deductible if I didn't charge, just asked for donations. another told me that if they received a service or product, it would not be deductible.

the salary can be any amount and can change.

anyone know what other things you would be exempt from? I am still looking for some nonprofit midwives, but not finding any unless they are connected to a hospital or clinic. all of the birth centers around here are nonprofit, though, so maybe one of them would be kind enough to talk with me.

[eco_mama]

nonprofit midwifery is a wonderful idea.