Our only source of income is donations. Your donations allow our sangha to provide spaces for sitting zazen, offer scholarships, and support our teachers. Your donations are tax-deductible.
Giving Dana as Part of Zen: What is it?
The Buddha taught that Generosity is one of the ways we carry our practice and lives “to the other shore” to a place of kindness and open heart.
Online Payments or Donations
If you meditate with us, please consider a recurring monthly donation of $40-$50/month, if you are able. Smaller or larger contributions made with a generous heart are equally dana, and equally welcome. Our teachers and volunteers offer the Dharma and their time for free. However, donations enable us to pay for approximately $12,000/year in expenses.
Donate with Zeffy
Using Zeffy lets us keep your full donation instead of paying 3-4% in transaction fees. They are a nonprofit themselves and you can optionally support their platform just before you check out. Zeffy accepts Apple Pay or Google Pay on mobile, credit cards, and direct bank payments.
Donate with PayPal
Click below to make a one time offering or set up a recurring donation through PayPal.
Donate by Check
Please mail a check made out to Silver Spring Zendo (our nonprofit) to:
Silver Spring Zendo
c/o Eric Merrell
6 Baldwin Ct Apt i
Catonsville, MD 21228
In-Person Donations
There is a donation box at sangha events where you can place cash or checks. PayPal and Zeffy QR codes are also available for you to scan. Any form of donation in any amount is gratefully accepted.
How do your donations help?
As mentioned above, we have approximately $12,000/year in expenses including:
- Rental Space at the Washington Ethical Society
- Liability Insurance
- White Plum Asanga Affiliation
- Website and Communications
- Zendo Supplies
- Training Stipends for Teachers
- Scholarships to Retreats for Sangha Members
We can use income beyond or basic expenses to expand our programs and potentially offer more retreats or activities. Our nonprofit board meetings are open to the public and financial transparency is very important to us. If you would like a better idea of our cashflow and how essential your donations are, please feel free to approach anyone on the board for more information.
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