Sustaining Supporter Drive – Tim C.
I have been spiritually curious for as long as I can remember. When my wife Michelle and I lived in Austin, Texas, we ran one of the premier “new age” bookstores in the country. There, we explored the vast array of spiritual traditions from around the world.
In 1989, I heard Thich Nhat Hanh speak when I was in Washington D.C. for the annual book seller’s convention. He was the first fully present person I had ever encountered. It was transformative and deeply affected me. Shortly afterward, I heard the 14th Dalai Lama say, “My religion is kindness,” which resonated profoundly with me. I took vows from His Holiness in 1993 and from Venerable Thubten Chodron in 1994.
I then spent seventeen years as a solo practitioner, searching for a sangha without success until I discovered KCC in 2009. From my first encounter with Lama Lekshe at Newcomers Night, I knew I had found my spiritual home. Lama Lekshe, followed by Lama Michael and now Lama Eric, have shown themselves to be deeply rooted in the dharma while remaining perfectly ordinary. Their presence, without judgment or formality, revealed to me the living truth of the dharma in a profound and accessible way.
The benefit of the dharma is true and real, and so is the benefit of KCC. I am committed to supporting KCC in any way I can, including financially, to help sustain this invaluable community.
Campaign Update
Thanks to the generous contributions of 49 people, KCC has successfully raised $12,500 in additional annual income and $5,377 in one-time contributions. The community’s response has been tremendous, and our staff and board members are deeply appreciative. We are committed to wisely stewarding these gifts on behalf of the dharma.
A special thank you to the 8 sangha members who have shared their personal experiences on the dharma path and highlighted the role KCC has played in their journey. How have these reflections inspired your practice? Increased your connection to the KCC community?
For the final prize drawing, the reward is a loaf of bread baked by KCC’s premier baker, Linda Logan! She is a master of various types of bread, including sourdough and yeast varieties. Everyone who has donated during this campaign will be included in the drawing.
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to contribute, not only do you get a chance to win a delicious prize, but you will help KCC reach our next milestone. Three people pledging an additional $15/month would help us achieve an additional $13,000 in annual pledged income. Every contribution helps sustain KCC’s mission to offer the dharma freely to today and tomorrow’s practitioners. Thank you for your continued generosity and dedication to the dharma.
Dharma of Dollars
KCC is committed to providing the teachings of the Dharma freely. To do this, we must generate enough revenue to compensate our staff, maintain the Portland Center, SCOL Retreat Center and numerous online offerings.
Recently, a newer member said that KCC feels like an organization with a $1,000,000 budget. The truth is that the rich offerings of KCCs regular practices, programs, and retreats are accomplished by dedicated staff, committed volunteers and a small budget of about $350,000.
Like many organizations, KCC is feeling the effects of inflation. The growth of income is not keeping pace with expenses, especially wages and benefits for our five wonderful employees, including Lama Eric, the Managing Director, and our SCOL staff.
- The Board recently decided to “pause” on filling the part-time Portland Center Operations Manager position due to our projected budget shortfall.
- The cost of insurance, Zoom and other key software subscriptions continue to rise.
- The cost of fuel and other essentials for SCOL operations and maintenance have increased, too.
- Replacement of the roof and siding at the Portland center is also an imminent expense.
Furthermore, the KCC Board is committed to providing Cost-of-Living-Adjustments to staff because KCC compensation is quite low in a high cost-of-living area like Portland, OR.
In 2024, the KCC budget looks like:
- Projected Expenses: $366,000
- Projected Employee Wages and Benefits: $207,468
- Projected Income: $351,000
- $125,000 from programming; $225,000 from contributions
- This includes a $30,000 legacy gift
- Shortfall: $15,000
- Without the legacy gift, our shortfall this year would be $45,000
Sustaining Supporters are the financial foundation of KCC.
During the 2024 Sustaining Supporter Drive, we ask you to consider:
- Becoming a New Supporter
- Increasing Your Pledge
- Making a one-time Donation
Currently, about 130 supporters make recurring pledges.
An average monthly pledge of $175 would balance KCC’s budget.
Give enthusiastically within your means!
Here is some information to consider & guide you:
If your income is $100K per year,
a pledge of 5% of your income would be $416/mo.
a pledge of 2% of your income would be $166/mo.
If your income is $60K per year,
a pledge of 1% of your income would be $50/mo.
If your income is $30K per year,
a pledge of 1% of your income would be $25/mo.
Donate
Bi-weekly Raffle!
During the 2024 Sustaining Supporter Drive, you will be entered into a bi weekly drawing to when you:
- become a new sustaining supporter
- increase your pledge
- make a one-time donation
Make your donation early to be entered into all 4 drawings!
Volunteer Support
KCC recognizes that not all individuals are able to make a financial contribution. Volunteer efforts by sangha members are also invaluable contributions to ensure that tasks vital to KCC practices, retreats, and general operations are completed with care. Contact Sally Mead to find a volunteer role that supports KCC.
