Sustaining Supporter 2024 – Lotus
This week, Lotus shares how connection to sangha was important to her Dharma development:
I found the Dharma path when I was 15 years old and watched “7 Years In Tibet” with my father. It sparked a fascination with all things Tibetan and a dive into learning about Buddhism. By age 18 I had a regular meditation practice and journeyed to Dharamshala, India, to make a personal connection to the Tibetan community there.
The simple teaching of “Begin Again” has been a cornerstone of my dharma practice that I still turn to even after a decade of practice. Getting frustrated in a conversation with someone? Begin again. Let go of the parts of the conversation that frustrated you and start fresh. Re-commit to compassionate dialogue to connect. Messed up something you were working on? Simply begin again, as if for the first time. Drop the unhelpful view of failure. Got distracted during meditation? Simply begin again, as if for the first time.
My solo practice hit a wall in my early 20’s. I was telling myself to begin again, but the wall remained. And, at that point in time all the Buddhist books, articles, and videos that I was consuming seemed to say the same thing: “You need a teacher, and you need sangha.” When I moved from California to Oregon in 2016, I found KCC and started attending meditation sessions.
It was true. I did need a teacher, and I did need sangha. Coming into community with the Sangha at KCC, and building connections with spiritual friends and teachers tore down the wall I had been experiencing in my practice. My whole practice was beginning again as fresh as it was when I was teenager.
My dream is for any person with an interest in Buddhism to have access to explore their curiosity, and that they may benefit from the very important support of having access to a teacher and sangha. For this reason I am a sustaining KCC member and active volunteer. It has brought so much benefit to my life, my only wish is for that benefit to continue growing and reach more and more beings, until no matter what the circumstances, we can all at any moment begin again.
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.
