Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund Grant Program

The Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund was established to provide support for the community of monks and nuns of IMI. Since it began the fund has offered assistance enabling monks and nuns with limited means to engage in study and retreat. Funding for the Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund has been generated through donations from many Buddhist practitioners around the world, including monks and nuns and FPMT centers.

It is important that every monk and nun is able to pursue study, practice and service within the context of their vows. IMI is taking steps to make sure that the basic requisites of food, accommodation, clothing and health care are provided to all its the monks and nuns around the world: growing the Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund longterm; working with local FPMT communities to ensure these needs are met; and educating about the benefits of the monastic community and supporting them.

At the moment, however, resources are limited. In 2009 we will support those monks and nuns most in need. Grants will be awarded in three areas: Study, Retreat, and Service.

2009 Grants for Study

Eligibility

IMI will offer up to US$10 per day (or US$300 per month) towards the cost of providing the four requisites; food, shelter, medicine or robes. This grant is to encourage and support dharma study.

To be eligible for the grant, you must:

• be engaged in a fulltime dharma study program (in other words, study is the major focus of the monk or nun’s activity);
• be members of IMI;
• reside in a monastic community or at an FPMT center (exceptions will be considered but are not assured);
• not have more than US$7,000 (or equivalent) in cash, real property, stocks, bonds, auto, etc. (Personal effects are not included in this total);
• not receive more than an average of US$400 (or equivalent) per month in earnings, pension, sponsorship, etc. (exceptions will be considered but are not assured).

Application

Please complete the application form, available online in the IMI Members Area. (By the way, please ensure that the information in your IMI member profile is current and complete and that you have included a photograph.)

Applications must be received by December 1, March 1, June 1, or September 1 2009. If you need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact IMI at office@imisangha.org.

Period of Grant

Grants will be awarded for a twelve-month period (or portion thereof) starting one month after the application deadline, that is, from January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The grant is limited to the specific time period of the study (minimum period one month).

Award of Grant

Once your application has been reviewed, the grant will be confirmed by email. Funds will be remitted to your monastery or center on your behalf.

2009 Grants for Retreat

Eligibility

IMI will offer up to US$10 per day (or US$300 per month) towards the cost of providing the four requisites; food, shelter, medicine or robes. This grant is to encourage and support practice retreat.

To be eligible for the grant, you must:

• be engaged in a practice retreat under the guidance of their teacher (in other words retreat is major focus of the monk or nun’s activity);
• be members of IMI;
• reside in a monastic community or at an FPMT center (exceptions will be considered but are not assured);
• not have more than US$7,000 (or equivalent) in cash, real property, stocks, bonds, auto, etc. (Personal effects are not included in this total);
• not receive more than an average of US$400 (or equivalent) per month in earnings, pension, sponsorship, etc. (exceptions will be considered but are not assured).

Application

Please complete the application form, available online in the IMI Members Area. (By the way, please ensure that the information in your IMI member profile is current and complete and that you have included a photograph.)

Applications must be received by December 1, March 1, June 1, or September 1 2009. If you need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact IMI at office@imisangha.org.

Period of Grant

Grants will be awarded for a twelve-month period (or portion thereof) starting one month after the application deadline, that is, from January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The grant is limited to the specific time period of the study (minimum period one month).

Award of Grant

Once your application has been reviewed, the grant will be confirmed by email. Funds will be remitted to your monastery or center on your behalf.

2009 Grants for Service

Eligibility

IMI will offer up to US$10 per day (or US$300 per month) towards the cost of providing the four requisites; food, shelter, medicine or robes. This grant is to encourage and support those monks and nuns who provide service within the FPMT organization.

To be eligible for the grant, you must:

• be engaged in fulltime service at a FPMT Center or for an FPMT project (in other words, service is the major focus of the monk or nun’s activity);
• be members of IMI;
• reside in a monastic community or at an FPMT center (exceptions will be considered but are not assured);
• not have more than US$7,000 (or equivalent) in cash, real property, stocks, bonds, auto, etc. (Personal effects are not included in this total);
• not receive more than an average of US$400 (or equivalent) per month in earnings, pension, sponsorship, etc. (exceptions will be considered but are not assured).

Application

Please complete the application form, available online in the IMI Members Area. (By the way, please ensure that the information in your IMI member profile is current and complete and that you have included a photograph.)

Applications must be received by December 1, March 1, June 1, or September 1 2009. If you need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact IMI at office@imisangha.org.

Period of Grant

Grants will be awarded for a twelve-month period (or portion thereof) starting one month after the application deadline, that is, from January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The grant is limited to the specific time period of the study (minimum period one month).

Award of Grant

Once your application has been reviewed, the grant will be confirmed by email. Funds will be remitted to your monastery or center on your behalf.