If you’ve been considering doula training but find yourself hesitating due to financial concerns, remember there are multiple ways to fund it. From scholarships to bartering and even client sponsorship, you can explore various options to make your dream a reality. Here’s a list of practical ideas to help fund your doula certification and, later on, support clients in need.
1. Apply for Scholarships
Many doula training organizations offer scholarships, some geared specifically toward BIPOC or LGBTQ+ individuals, while others are open to all. These scholarships can be full or partial, so check the details carefully. Scholarships may only be available at certain times, so plan ahead to apply during the open period, as seats may be limited.
Tip: Some individual trainers offer scholarships year-round, often with fewer restrictions than organizations. It’s worth inquiring directly with trainers.
2. Client Sponsorship
Believe it or not, some aspiring doulas receive training sponsorships from clients. If a client seeks your support but you’re not yet trained, they might be willing to cover your training fees instead of paying for services directly. You could also use any payment from early clients to fund your training costs.
3. Seek Grants
Nonprofit organizations sometimes provide grants specifically for doula training. This could mean one large group training or individual grants covering training across multiple programs. Note that grants may come with service requirements, such as volunteering for a specific organization for a set time after certification.
4. Set Up a Payment Plan
Most doula training programs offer payment plans, allowing you to pay a portion upfront and the rest over time. These plans can make training more manageable, though they often require full payment by the course start date. Payment plans can be an excellent option if you’re able to budget and plan in advance.
5. Barter Your Skills
If you have skills that could benefit a doula trainer—like marketing, administrative work, or web design—consider proposing a barter arrangement. This option may require negotiation but can be mutually beneficial if approached thoughtfully.
6. Ask for Gift Certificates
Some trainers offer gift certificates, which you can request for birthdays or holidays. These can help offset training costs gradually. Over a few holidays, you might cover a substantial portion of your fees.
7. Start a Crowdfunding Campaign
Setting up a crowdfunding page (like GoFundMe) is another way to raise money. Share your goal of becoming a doula, explain why this path is important to you, and ask your network to share it. Many crowdfunding platforms offer guidance on how to maximize donations.
8. Find a Benefactor
Sometimes, people who are passionate about supporting doulas may be willing to sponsor training fees. Keep your network informed about your goals—you never know who might want to help. A simple conversation could lead to support from someone who believes in your mission. Read: How to Get Your Doula Training Funded by Your Community
9. Open a Doula-Specific Savings Account
If none of the other options work, start a savings account dedicated to your training. Set a realistic goal based on your course cost and contribute a set amount monthly. Some aspiring doulas save a percentage of each paycheck or earmark extra income specifically for this purpose.
Exploring these different funding avenues can bring you one step closer to starting your journey as a doula. With creativity and persistence, you can make your training possible and soon start supporting clients on their own journeys.
