Scholarship Fund

Purpose of the Fund

"‘The dharma is not a privilege. It is a birthright—forgotten, reclaimed, and shared.’

— Lama Rod Owens, The New Saints

Rooted in the principles of healing justice and decolonizing dharma, this fund exists to dismantle financial barriers for BIPOC practitioners seeking transformative practice. We honor the wisdom of ancestors and teachers of color, and we encourage recipients to direct funds toward BIPOC-led programs when possible.

*Priority will be given to members who actively volunteer or support the functioning of our group. 

Eligibility Criteria

"You are eligible to apply if you:*

• Self-identify as BIPOC and are an active member of the BIPOC Sangha (defined as attending 2+ gatherings).

• Self-attest that paying for the program would cause financial hardship (e.g., ‘I need support to participate without strain’).

• Seek funding for a dharma or mindfulness-based program (retreat, class, training, or conference). The program does not need to be BIPOC-specific or BIPOC-led, though we encourage supporting BIPOC teachers and spaces when possible.

Funds are not intended for general costs unrelated to program attendance.

Funding Scope & Limits

*Scholarships are granted based on available funds and typically range from:

$50–

$50–570 per request. Small requests (under $100) are automatically approved to streamline access.

*Requesting partial funding is encouraged to support more community members.

Application Process

Submit your request via our online form (see below), including:*

• Name of the program and its cost.

• A brief statement (2–3 sentences) on how this supports your practice.

• Confirmation of your membership and self-attested need.

*No documentation is required. Applications are reviewed as they are received, with decisions no later than 1 week after receipt (small requests approved immediately).

Selection Process

"The board approves all applications that:*

• Meet eligibility criteria.

• Align with the fund’s purpose.

• Do not deplete the fund’s balance.

*Decisions are based on equitable access, not urgency or personal connections.

Post-Award Invitations (Optional)

"Recipients are warmly invited—but never required—to:*

• Share a reflection (written, spoken, or artistic) with the community.

Transparency & Accountability

"We maintain an annual log tracking:*

• Total scholarships awarded and amounts.

• Types of programs funded (e.g., retreats vs. classes).

• Demographic trends (to better serve the community).

*Summaries are shared in newsletters; no individual details are disclosed.

How to Donate

Donations sustain this fund and can be made:*

• Generally (to the fund’s greatest need).

• With a purpose (e.g., ‘Sponsor a retreatant’; the board will honor intent when possible).

*Donors may opt into public acknowledgment or remain anonymous.

"‘No one heals themselves alone. We are woven into the fabric of each other’s restoration.’

— adrienne maree brown, Emergent Strategy