Dana, an ancient Pali word meaning generosity, is an important aspect of the Buddha’s teachings. Because these teachings are considered priceless, they have generally been offered freely as a form of dana. This was true during the time of the Buddha; it remains true in many Buddhist countries today. In return, Dharma centers have traditionally been supported by the generosity – or dana – of their communities.

More than just a means of support, dana is considered part of our practice. Generosity is one of the ten paramis, or qualities of character, to be developed and perfected by the Dharma practitioner over many lifetimes. The act of giving not only benefits the receiver, but also opens the heart of the giver and acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings.

In the spirit of dana, CIMC is committed to making the Buddha’s teachings available to everyone regardless of financial circumstances. But the realities of operating and maintaining a meditation center in a modern urban setting can make this a challenge. By supporting the Center financially and/or by contributing your time and talent as a volunteer, you can help us meet the challenge and continue a tradition that dates back 2,500 years.

And please remember, even the smallest act of generosity is an expression of dana.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

For those who are able, there are many different ways to help CIMC financially. These include:

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is an important source of ongoing financial support. If insight meditation is of value to you, and you would like to support the Center’s work, please consider becoming a member.

ANNUAL GIFTS
Each fall, CIMC conducts a major fund drive to help meet our operating expenses. Many members (and nonmembers) make a special donation at this time or at other times during the year. Others contribute by finding sponsors and participating in our annual fundraising Sit-a-thon.

COMPANY MATCHING GIFTS
Some companies offer matching gifts for employees who donate to nonprofit organizations. Please check with your employer to see if they will match your gift to CIMC.

PLANNED GIVING
Please consider including CIMC when reviewing your financial plan. Planned gifts can be organized through bequests, life insurance, retirement plans, and appreciated stock. If you would like more information on planned giving, please contact the office.

THE CIMC ENDOWMENT FUND
The CIMC Endowment Fund exemplifies our commitment to preserving the values and goals of Cambridge Insight Meditation Center for generations to come. Through CIMC’s annual campaign, donors help to underwrite ongoing programs and special initiatives on a yearly basis. The endowment permits donors to create a legacy of support that will assist in underwriting current programs and help to ensure the future strength of CIMC so that it
continues to prosper and maintain its prominence as a leading Western center for meditative practice. All donations are encouraged and valued as expressions of dana that will preserve CIMC and the dharma for future generations.

Funds contributed to the endowment are invested prudently, in consultation with experienced financial advisors, in instruments designed to yield additional annual income to support CIMC programs. For more information see our endowment brochure.

To make a donation:
The fastest way is to click on the “Donate Now” button above and charge your donation to a major credit card. You could also mail your donation to CIMC, 331 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139. Or if you prefer, you may leave it in one of our donation boxes, which are located on the first floor and outside the meditation hall. If writing a check, please indicate if it is for any specific purpose, such as membership.

All donations to CIMC are fully tax-deductible.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE

CIMC could not continue to function the way it does without the generous assistance of the volunteers who serve the Center in so many different capacities. Some of our current volunteer opportunities include:

MINDFUL HOUSEWORK
Before the weekly Wednesday evening sitting and Dharma talk, a community housecleaning is led by the house residents. This one-hour work period provides an opportunity to make a direct contribution to the upkeep of the Center, to practice mindfulness in action, and to make new friends. Volunteers also help at other times of the week with ongoing cleaning projects.

WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAM
Volunteers greet people on Wednesday nights as well as make announcements and tape the Dharma talks.

RETREAT COOKING
While the Center pays for retreat food, all shopping and cooking for retreat meals is done by volunteers. We also offer free workshops for those interested in retreat meal planning and cooking.

LIBRARY ORGANIZATION
Volunteers are always needed to help organize and maintain our library.

GARDENING
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, come to one of our community gardening days which are held several times a year in the fall and spring. If you’d like to help with gardening at other times, please contact the office.

COMMUNITY DINNERS
Volunteers help with organizing, cooking and cleaning up after our holiday and potluck dinners.

• Three years’ Vipassana experience at CIMC
• Some intensive retreat experience
• A daily sitting practice
• Membership at CIMC

If you’d like to volunteer in any of these areas, please contact the office or check the appropriate box on your membership card. If you have a special area of expertise or knowledge and would like to share that with CIMC, please let us know. And thanks!