Can we make a salary doing nonprofit work?

Yes, you can pay yourself a salary or stipend. This goes for staff, interns, consultants, and contractors, as well. This is perfectly legitimate within nonprofit work. However, for every group the picture is different. It is usually not appropriate for a project's entire budget to be directed toward salaries. There are always office and field expenses entailed in carrying out a humanitarian / ecological project.

IHCenter monitors the paying of salaries to be sure that it is commensurate with the project work.

May we contact/collaborate with other IHCenter projects?

Absolutely. Collaboration is always encouraged, and is a decision every group must make independently. Contact information for active groups is listed on the IHCenter website. Feel free to get in touch with any project that you feel could augment your work, and vice versa.

How are contracts with outside vendors/service providers/individuals handled?

Projects are free to negotiate contracts for services rendered by businesses or individuals. However, there is no debt financing allowed in IHCenter. When signing a contract for a service, the project must have available funds to pay for said service. If a contract for any amount is over and above a group's normal operating level, the IHCenter office must first approve it.

Is there a minimum/maximum time a group needs to stay with IHCenter? Is it easy to spin off?

No project is required to spend any particular length of time with IHCenter. You can begin to seek independent status at any point that you and your advisory board feel ready. Spinning off is easy and efficient, and is handled on a case-by-case basis.

What if I'm not sure my project fits within IHCenter's criteria?

The best place to start is the Member Groups section on IHCenter's website, at www.ihcenter.org. If you are still unsure, or would like to discuss a certain issue, the best option is to contact us directly. A quick telephone call or email to apply@ihcenter.org is the best way of getting in touch with us.