Ven. Tulku Yeshe Gyatso leads a calligraphy workshop at the Arts as Buddhist Practice festival, organized by Northwest Dharma Association in March, 2014.
Photo by: Steve Wilhelm

Here in the fall of 2016 the Northwest Dharma Association bank account is low — will you help?

Even though your NWDA has been frugal and has cut expenses to the bone, donations have recently been falling behind expenses. The dharma community needs to be generous and chip in, if your Northwest Dharma Association is to continue supporting and connecting the larger Buddhist community in the region.

Here are some examples of the work this association, of 110 Buddhist groups in the Northwest U.S. and Western Canada, is doing just in October:

– On October 8 NWDA is co-sponsoring the annual Buddhist Global Relief Walk to Feed the Hungry.

– Also on October 8, NWDA executive Director George Draffan will join the panel on the Faith and Climate Action Conference.

– On October 22, NWDA is co-sponsoring the Contemplative Caregiver Retreat at Betsuin Temple in Seattle.

While the staff is actively seeking grant support for the long term, the organization needs immediate help to stay solvent now. About $6,000 needs to be raised in the next three months, to continue programs next year to connect regional Buddhist communities with the wealth of dharma work here.

Generous people have in the past made significant donations. If those same people or like-minded others can give again it will be much appreciated, and will help further the work. Also needed are the small and consistent donations that have kept the organization thriving for 26 years.

If you have been an individual supporter, please consider a fresh donation now. If you believe a strong dharma community makes an active difference in our society, own the mission and please ask five of your friends to join the Mahasangha Mala, the circle of people donating $108 yearly.

Or please make a recurring donation or a one-time donation to help with operating expenses.

Quite a few member groups are behind on annual contributions. If your group is behind on membership dues, please get current. If your organization can afford an additional donation at this crucial time, please make this eloquent and generous gesture in support of the dharma.

Please remember the generosity of innumerable people who have supported the Buddha’s teachings for 2,600 years. Now in 2016, here in the Northwest and Western Canada, that generosity is needed again.

Current operations cost $2,000/month. This does not represent the true cost, because much of the work is donated.

• Production of the NW Dharma News – $350/month.
• Maintaining the website, group information and calendar – $550/month.
• Outreach and planning and coordinating events – $600/month.
• General operating expenses $550/month.

We already have a number of events planned for 2017. With your help, we can continue to offer our whole range of programs and the Northwest Dharma News.

Please make a donation here. If you can pledge monthly, please do so. One-time donations of any amount are deeply appreciated.