Ways of helping Harnham

As you probably know the monastery is entirely dependent for its existence on the generosity of its lay supporters. The main purpose of this article is to provide you with an overview of the various forms (both financial and otherwise) in which you as a supporter can help the monastery.

However, before that it might be useful to explain briefly how the monastery administers the donations of its supporters and where it sees its priorities.

Who is responsible for the financial management of the monastery?

Monks of the Theravadan tradition live in accordance with the original monastic code – the Vinaya – that prohibits them from possessing or holding rights over money in any form. Because of this the monastery’s finances are ‘stewarded’ by a charitable body – The Magga Bhavaka Trust. At present the trust comprises of six lay trustees. Acting on behalf of the trustees is the Harnham Monastery Committee, which looks after the day-to-day administration of finances and other issues relating to the running of the monastery. A small group – the Monastery Funding Committee – has also been set up with a brief to support the monastery and the Trust with their ongoing management of funding issues.

What are the priorities?

The main one is to ensure that the Sangha (the monastic community) are sufficiently provided for in the form of a place in which to live and practice. However, the Sangha itself also attach a great deal of importance in providing a place in which lay people can develop their practice, whether this be in formal retreat situations or by individual short-term stays. In order to provide for this the Trust is currently engaged in a major project to develop a retreat and visitor accommodation house. In financial terms these two priorities are recognised and administered in the form of distinct financial funds – the General Fund (for the ongoing running expenses) and the Sanghamitta Fund (to finance the retreat house and other enhancements to the facilities). In addition an Endowment Fund has also recently been established for the purposes of receiving major donations (such as willed bequests) – this will serve to provide a regular income by which to enhance and secure the monastery’s future.

How can I help?

Donations of a financial and material nature are obviously essential but offers of assistance in other forms are necessary for the smooth running of the monastery. The following should give you some idea of what form of support might best suit you.

Forms of donation to the General Fund

Standing orders – It is very helpful to the monastery to know that there is some degree of regular financial support. Standing orders are one very helpful way of ensuring this. If you are in a position to make such an offering then you can do so by completing a standing instruction to your bank (monthly, quarterly or annually). In certain circumstances it is possible for the Trust obtain tax relief on such donations - our leaflet entitled ‘Methods of Making Financial Donations’ explains this in more detail.

Give as You Earn – Some larger employers subscribe to this scheme that enables employees to instruct that a monthly deduction from their salary is paid to the charity of their choice. At present the charity receives tax relief on the donation plus a bonus of 10% from the government! In this way a deduction from your salary of £7.80 a month would result in the monastery receiving £11.00 a month.

One-Off donations – Such donations can be made in the form of cash or cheques (made payable to Harnham Buddhist Monastery) placed in the donation envelopes provided. Again, under certain circumstances, the monastery can claim tax relief – see the leaflet referred to under ‘standing orders’.

Online Donation - We now offer a secure online facility as a convenient method of making donations. This is especially cost-effective for overseas supporters. For details see here

‘Pennies for Harnham’ – This provides a way of making a donation on an enjoyable and regular basis. Just start saving your small change (say 1p, 2p and perhaps 5p coins) in a jam jar and when you have a round amount either bring it direct to us, or change it at your bank and place the donation in a donation envelope (don’t forget to say that it is for the "Pennies for Harnham’ scheme).

Forms of donation to the Sanghamitta Fund

You can make donations to the Sanghamitta Fund by any of the above methods. However, if you are not sure where the current need is it might be useful to know that if and when there are surplus funds in the General Fund the Trustees will consider making a transfer to support the projects funded by the Sanghamitta Fund.

Forms of Non-Financial Support

There are many ways that you can show your support and gratitude to the monastery. Here are some suggestions:

Offerings of food and requisites – Each week the Sangha update a Dana list for food items and other requisites that would be particularly welcome. We hope to post the Dana list on the monastery web site but feel free to telephone. For personal visitors the list is posted in the kitchen. If you want to mark a special anniversary then you could do so by offering a particular meal.

Help in the kitchen – If you have some basic culinary skills and would like to help out please contact the kitchen manager and he will gladly explain how the monastery kitchen operates.

Driving – It is often difficult to find someone willing and able to take on the task of driving members of the Sangha on such necessary trips as teaching groups, visits to the doctor, to the station or airport, etc.

Mowing the lawn – A pleasant task for a sunny afternoon (or at least a dry one!).

Assistance in the office – The sort of task involved includes help with our newsletter ‘Hilltop’ and maintaining the monastery database. For the IT minded then work on the web site or advice and assistance on those minor computing gremlins we all suffer would also be very welcome.

Building and decorating – If you have skills in this area then it can always be used whether on maintenance projects or such things as the retreat house.

Contacts:

Mike Pearce (Monastery Funding Group) - thepearceys@waitrose.com
The monastery by clicking here.

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