Good news - the Dharma is free - heck yeah!! Realistic news? We still have to pay for things and hard working people!!That's right - at Greatwoods Zen, we wholeheartedly believe that everyone should have access to a safe, loving, and listening community (regardless of finances) that can inspire our lives with goodness and joy - the Dharma. AND, we also wholeheartedly believe that those who serving our beloved community should be supported in their livelihood. Meditating together seems simple - we're basically just breathing, walking, and smiling together. Right, so what could cost so much? Well ... - We have websites, newsletters, and social mediate platforms. - We need Dharma books, printings, honey for your tea, and liability insurance. - We love drinking good tea, lighting candles, and smelling fresh flowers. - We love our admin team and our admin team loves you! We want to pay them, and not burn through them. They keep us organized, keep our books out of chaos (we're not going back to that!), and help our Sangha harmony grow and thrive.We have a Sangha and our Sangha needs us. A real community, a strong community; a sustaining community is not something one, two, or even a handful of people offer to others; rather, it's something we cocreate and build together. Sometimes we are the leaves nourishing the roots, sometimes, we are the branches supporting the leaves. Sometimes we are the worker nourishing the community, and sometimes we are the money nourishing the belly of the worker. Greatwoods Zen is built on a culture of generosity. We’re encouraging our community to cocreate this culture of generosity with us.How Much is Enough? A teacher once said, "Give in a way that hurts a little; not too much hurt, but it should hurt a little." That hurt reflects our heart opening from the small sense of self, to a wider, bigger, sense of self.If 25 people give $25 per month, then we'll meet our goal - wow, that's easy!If you have a bit less than that to give, then give that fully. If you have a bit more to offer, then give that fully.Every member of our Care-Taking Council is not only organizing, but also supporting financially too.AbundanceWe're not doing perks, folks. Why? Because Greatwoods Zen is the perk! Having a lovely spiritual community is the perk! Greatwoods Zen offers so much already. We don't need key chains, mugs, and 10% offs to validate our love, abundance, and generosity. For our fundraising, we're choosing to lean into generosity and trust rather than transaction and rewards.Donation based Days of Mindfulness throughout the yearSliding scale events to the general public - no one is ever turned away from lack of financesA rent free space for the Sangha every weekFacilitators who offer guidance and support freelyTransparencyTransparency nurtures clarity and trust about how OUR community resources are being used. Yearly Administrative Costs:(This does not include paying teachers or facilitators for special events.)Social media guru - $3500 / year (aprox)Admin team - Shawn / David / James - $8000 / year (approx)BookkeepingFundraisingProgram developmentAdministrative organization and overview And more!...Subscriptions:Website, domain, and google workspace: $435Mailchimp and meetup: $450Combined about $1000Liability insurance - $500Miscellaneous items for the Sangha (plants, candles, books, kitchen items, hall supplies, etc.) - $1500Catawba Cultural Visit Donation: $500Total: $15,000 $1250/ moWhat Do We NeedLet’s be honest about what it takes to run a sustainable and ethically oriented organization and spiritual communityThis means paying people for work that is necessaryThis also means inviting people to give in various ways and contribute to beloved community.

Your gift keeps Greatwoods Zen calm, cozy, and slightly less squeaky. 🧘‍♂️ From meditation cushions and the hall bell to rent and tea, your support helps us offer a steady, welcoming space for practice.Every donation supports:Regular meditation sessions and retreatsCommunity gatherings rooted in mindfulness and compassionCare for our shared practice space and simple comforts ☕Give what feels right, sit with us when you can.

Your gift helps keep our Day of Mindfulness steady, welcoming, and quietly held. 🧘‍♂️From cushions on the floor to tea in the kitchen, your support makes it possible for this space to exist each week.Every donation supports:• Behind-the-scenes admin and coordination• Contributions toward utilities and shared space costs• Cleaning, cooking, and care for the space• The simple details that make practice feel supported and easeful ☕Your support also helps sustain the wider rhythm of practice — ongoing gatherings, retreats, and a community rooted in mindfulness and compassion.This gathering is offered in the spirit of generosity. Give what feels right ($15–$45 suggested), and join us whenever you can.