Donations
Since its foundation over 50 years ago, the Triratna Buddhist Community has passed on the precious jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha to tens of thousands of people through more than 100 centres and groups across the world.
The Melbourne Buddhist Centre has been in operation for over 30 years, sharing this vision. Our goal is to help make the Buddha Dharma available to the people of Melbourne.
A non-profit organisation, Melbourne Buddhist Centre receives no funding from outside sources. Ongoing running costs are met mostly by our facility charges for teaching meditation, running courses, and holding retreats.
What It Costs
Monthly costs based on spending from our financial year ending June 2024.Staff
While most of our classes, courses and retreats are run by volunteers who aren't paid for the work they do, we employ a small team to handle administration, event coordination, bookkeeping, and other important tasks.
Retreat Costs
Costs associated with running retreats, which mainly include venue hire and groceries.
Insurance and Legal
Everything needed to be operating, such as insurances and fees for fire safety checks.
Maintenance, Equipment, Gifts & Event expenses
Includes repairs, building improvements, donations to other organisations, and expenses associated with running events.
Office and Shrine Supplies
Includes all our tea and biscuits, cleaning supplies, shrine keeping supplies like flowers, candles and incense, and office stationary and printing costs.
Utilities
Includes all utilities like electricity, water, landline, internet, etc.
Where It Comes From
The majority of our income comes from running weekly classes, regular retreats, and from the generosity of people who make monthly standing donations.
How You Can Help
You can help us to achieve our goal and generate an income in three ways, while practising one of the most fundamental Buddhist precepts – generosity:
Monthly Standing Donations (MSD)
As a friend of the Melbourne Buddhist Centre, you can arrange for a monthly direct debit from your account. The amount each person can commit will vary, of course, depending on circumstances. All donations to the Melbourne Buddhist Centre are tax deductible and on request you can receive a tax receipt at the end of the Financial Year.
To arrange a Monthly Donation you can set one up online or call / come in person and we will be happy to arrange a monthly donation for you.
Donate Now
You can also make a one off donation now. Please reference ‘dana‘ and your name, so that we can ensure the payment is correctly allocated.
For those of you who would like to make a direct deposit into our bank account, please contact us at office@melbournebuddhistcentre.org.au.
If you would prefer making a donation by cheque, it can be made payable to ‘Melbourne Buddhist Centre’ with ‘Dana Appeal’ written on the reverse and posted to Attention: Treasurer, Melbourne Buddhist Centre, PO Box 157, Brunswick VIC 3056.
Leaving a Gift to the Melbourne Buddhist Centre in your Will
The Buddha taught the profound importance of recollecting impermanence – the ever-changing, coming-and-going, uncertain nature of things. One way of working creatively with the fact of impermanence is to reflect on how we would like to be remembered. And to acknowledge the transient nature of ‘ownership’, whether of material things, or of financial assets.
Making a will can be an inspiring and liberating act, a practical way of considering who and what matters in your life, and expressing positive aspirations for the future. Will you consider leaving a gift in your will to support the work of our Centre, ensuring the Dharma continues to thrive in Melbourne? Speak to your family and solicitor to update your will.
If you would like to discuss any of these options further, please speak to us at the Centre.
Volunteering
There are many other ways of practising generosity beyond giving financially. Many people in our community give their time and skills appropriate to their individual circumstances. If you would like to be involved or to know more, please contact us at office@melbournebuddhistcentre.org.au.