Dana & Generosity
"If people knew, as I know, the result of giving and sharing, they would not eat a meal without having shared it, nor would they allow the stain of meanness to obsess them and take root in their minds."
-- Itivuttaka 26

Please click here to read our 2010 fundraising appeal.

Dana (pronounced "dah-na") is a Pali word meaning generosity. Generosity, or sharing what we have, is one of the central pillars of spiritual life. Historically, as the Dharma thrived in Asia, local communities supported monks, nuns, teachers, and monasteries. This support was given freely in heartfelt recognition of the preciousness of the liberating teachings of the Buddha and the profound value of spiritual practice.

The practice of generosity gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude, to develop qualities of loving kindness, compassion and equanimity, to experience the joy of sharing, and to cultivate non-attachment and greater awareness. It is the intention of IMSB to foster the spirit of dana as both the practice and manifestation of our spiritual life.

Read the IMSB pamplet, The Treasure of Generosity , online.

This organization and our teachers rely upon the voluntary contributions of students. Your gifts enable us to continue to serve the Dhamma and maintain a continuity of teachings in the West. The existence and continuation of Insight Meditation South Bay depends on this generosity.

Insight Meditation South Bay is incorporated in the State of California, and is recognized as a charitable organization by both the State of California and the Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Dana Opportunities

Donations to Insight Meditation South Bay can be made in any of the following ways:

  1. In Person
    There are donation bowls at each Insight Meditation South Bay event, a bowl for Teacher Dana and another for Operations Dana. You may donate by cash or check, made out to Insight Meditation South Bay. If you write a check, you may indicate the percentage of your donation dedicated to the Teacher Dana and to the Operations Dana in the memo field.
  2. On Line
    You can make a donation to IMSB on the internet at Network for Good, which accepts credit cards directly, or other instruments via a PayPal account.
  3. By Mail
    Donation checks, made out to the Insight Meditation South Bay, may be mailed to:

    Insight Meditation South Bay
    PO Box 490
    Menlo Park, CA 94026

    Please include a return slip . You may indicate the percentage of your donation dedicated to the Teacher Dana and to the Operations Dana in the memo field of the check.
  4. In Kind Gifts
    We accept many in kind gifts, such as airline mileage credits, photocopy services, useful supplies, and various professional services as either Teacher or Operations Dana. We also welcome sponsorship of specific operational expenses such as rent, postage for mailings, insurance, etc. If you would like to find out more about sponsoring a specific operational expense, please contact our philanthropic advisor, Glenn Smith CFP(r) CIMC(r), at danaimsb.org, 408-395-1002 or 800-476-5713.
  5. Gifts of Investments
    IMSB is now set-up to receive direct donations of investment assets.

    The gifting of appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds or real estate to qualified charities is a commonly employed technique that may provide greater monetary benefit to both the donor and the recipient. This synergy is possible because donors are generally entitled to tax deductions for the full market value of charitable gifts at the time of the gift regardless of their cost basis. Therefore, making direct transfers/donations of investments without requiring donors to pay income taxes on the sale is usually a smarter strategy for donors than simply selling their investment(s), paying the income taxes and subsequently donating cash.

    Special note for 2009: IRA holders over age 70 1/2 may contribute all or a portion of their IRAs to IMSB. Such IRA donations must be made before the end of 2009 - unless Congress extends this special provision - so plan now to fulfill your RMD by donation and get a tax deduction instead of taxable income.

    Since gifts of investment assets must follow particular rules, if you'd like to further explore the benefits and requirements of making such gifts, please contact our philanthropic advisor, Glenn Smith CFP(r) CIMC(r), at danaimsb.org, 408-395-1002 or 800-476-5713.

  6. In Service
    IMSB relies on the voluntary service of participants. We welcome your participation and contribution of time, skills, talents, and services. Sign up online and lend a hand. Currently we are seeking volunteers for:
    • graphic design of mailings, letter heads, cards
    • coordination of Day-Long Retreats
    • coordination of weekend retreats
    • social events
    • service projects
    • publicity

For further information about ways you can support IMSB please contact our philanthropic advisor, Glenn Smith CFP(r) CIMC(r), at danaimsb.org, 408-395-1002 or 800-476-5713.