2025 Sangha Summit IDEA Committee Scholarship Application

2025 Sangha Summit Scholarship Application & Fundraising

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 Sangha Summit, an annual gathering dedicated to exploring the intersections of Buddhism and recovery. This unique event provides a transformative space to deepen practice, build connections, and discover new pathways for growth and healing.  

For many, attending the conference is a life-changing experience, but financial barriers can make participation challenging. In the spirit of generosity (*dāna*), we invite you to apply for the RDG Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee scholarship. The scholarship application deadline is March 15, 2025.  

About RDG’s IDEA Committee
The IDEA committee recognizes that we live in a society with impacts of various oppressions, e.g., racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, and ableism, among others. We aspire to create a safe, diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible space for recovery. Our intention is to support attendance at the 2025 Sangha Summit for underrepresented members who may not be able to participate otherwise.

Scholarship Funds Available

The total amount of the scholarship fund is $6,325. In order to maximize the number of attendees, this year we are offering scholarships in a range from $525 to $1050 to support between 6 to 12 individuals to attend the summit. The estimated cost of attendance depends on distance to the summit. 

In the spirit of wise effort and wise livelihood, we are mindful that these funds aim to complement rather than cover the total costs for participation in the event. 

Application Consideration

The IDEA committee will review applications using the following criteria:

1. Scholarships will benefit people from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQ, people with income less than 30k annually or $15 hourly, veterans, people with a history of incarceration, people with extraordinary healthcare expenses, and people with disabilities, among others. 
2. Applicants will commit to attending the 2025 Sangha Summit for its full duration and participating wholeheartedly in the scheduled activities.

The committee will grant scholarship amounts using the information provided below:

1. Consider the need expressed by the applicant.
2. Consider the applicant’s fundraising goal and plans. 
3. Offer scholarships that can assist in covering travel, accommodation, and 2025 Summit registration. The current maximum amount of the total scholarship is $6,325. We aim to offer scholarships in a range from $525 to $1050 to support between 6 to 12 individuals to attend the summit. 
4. At least two members of the IDEA Committee will review the scholarship applications. 
5. Each recipient will be offered support from the IDEA committee to assist in planning travel, lodging, and accommodations. 

The application deadline is on March 15, 2025.

To apply please fill out the application form below:

We strongly encourage sanghas to fundraise and support your members to attend. We are also mindful that all members may not have capacity to fundraise or be able to reach their fundraising goals. To the extent that fundraising efforts are successful, more people may receive the support of scholarship funds to enable attendance.

Join us in supporting those who wish to attend by fundraising for their participation. Together, we can help make this opportunity accessible to all who seek it.  Below are some examples of fundraising strategies and a message template that can be used. 

Please donate funds raised at [Link to PayPal]  and specify in “notes” on PayPal that the donation is for [Applicant name] from [Sangha] for the 2025 Summit Scholarship)!

Fundraising Strategies  

Here are some tips and ideas to make your fundraiser a success:  

1. **Use Online Fundraising Platforms**  

   Create a campaign on platforms like GoFundMe, GiveButter, or Facebook Fundraisers. Include a compelling story about why attending the conference matters to you or others in your community.  

2. **Tap into Your Networks**  

   Share your campaign with friends, family, and colleagues. Don’t forget to reach out to local Buddhist centers, recovery groups, and community organizations.  

3. **Host a Fundraising Event**  

   Consider organizing a mindful walk, meditation session, or dharma talk where participants contribute a donation.  

4. **Promote on Social Media**  

   Use social media to amplify your campaign. Share updates, express gratitude for contributions, and encourage others to spread the word.  

Social Media Template  

Feel free to use or adapt this template for your posts:  

✨ **Help Support a Journey of Healing and Wisdom** ✨  

I’m fundraising to attend the Recovery Dharma Global Annual Sangha Summit, a unique event that explores the intersections of Buddhism and recovery. This gathering offers a chance to deepen mindfulness, build connections, and embrace the principles of generosity (*dāna*) and compassion (*karuṇā*).  

Your support can help me (or others) overcome financial barriers to join this transformative experience.  

🌟 **Donate here:** https://recoverydharma.org/contribute/

🙏 Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.  

Please share this post to help spread the word. Together, we can create a ripple effect of healing and hope.  

By participating in fundraising, we embody the Buddhist principles of interdependence and compassionate action. We hope you’ll join us in creating a community of support that allows everyone to benefit from this extraordinary event.  

With gratitude and warm wishes,  

Recovery Dharma Global