Description of Organization
Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, ecumenical, and non-sectarian university in Boulder, Colorado. Naropa’s Religious Studies Department has, among its functions, the training of Buddhist scholars and activists. A recognized leader in contemplative education, Naropa’s undergraduate and graduate programs emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and contemplative practice. Through rigorous academics, faculty mentoring, contemplative practice, and community engagement, Naropa students develop the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to know their hearts and minds. The result: graduates who live deeply fulfilling lives working to improve people’s lives and the condition of our planet.
The Lenz Foundation has maintained a long-standing commitment to Naropa University for the purpose of supporting undergraduate and graduate students who seek to provide Buddhist-inspired leadership in communities throughout the United States. In addition, we support a Guest Lecturer program and individual programs that provide assistance and insight into current social needs.
Read papers written by Lenz Foundation Merit Scholars.
Grant(s) Awarded
ONGOING GRANTS
- The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism Merit Scholarship Grant
This grant was established to create an accredited Naropa Fellowship Program in Buddhist Studies and American Culture and Values. Scholars have focused on some aspect of Buddhism’s contributions to American education and society and immersed themselves in the university’s various curricular and community offerings. This multi-year grant has assisted religious studies graduate students and fellows integrating the arts and social sciences with contemplative practice and Buddhist scholarship.- Four-year support for Merit Scholars, 2022 Grant – $67,221
- Four-year support for Merit Scholars, 2017 Grant – $73,332
- Five-year support for Merit Scholars, 2012 Grant – $109,998
- Five-year support for Merit Scholars, 2007 – $208,000 for scholarships and loan repayment
- The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Residential Fellowship for Buddhist Studies and American Culture and Values
This program is designed to work together with the Distinguished Lecturer Program to enlighten and diversify the Naropa experience and to establish Naropa as a beacon for Buddhist thought and action in contemporary American culture.- Four-year support for Residential Fellowship for Buddhist Studies, 2022 Grant – $70,000
- Four-year support for Residential Fellowship for Buddhist Studies, 2017 Grant – $87,500
- Five-year support for Residential Fellowship for Buddhist Studies, 2012 Grant – $105,100
- Five-year support for Residential Fellowship for Buddhist Studies and Distinguished Guest Lecturer Program, 2007 Grant – $221,950
- The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Distinguished Guest Lecturer Program in Buddhist Studies
This grant has allowed Naropa to invite world class lecturers to campus to explore the evolution of American Buddhism. The program has enabled scholars from a variety of academic disciplines to reside in Boulder and affiliate with Naropa during their sabbatical or other professional leave, and to complete a research, social action, or curriculum development project on some aspect of Buddhism’s contributions to American education and society. The program has featured the presentations of distinguished American Buddhist academic scholars from many traditions for a lecture series or a semester of classes.- Four-year support for Guest Lecturer Program, 2022 Grant – $24,000
- Four-year support for Guest Lecturer Program, 2017 Grant – $24,000
- Five-year support for Distinguished Guest Lecturer Program, 2012 Grant – $36,000
See the summary of presenters/presentations by The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Distinguished Lecturers in American Buddhism at Naropa University
SINGLE GRANTS
In 2020, a grant in the amount of $50,000 was awarded to provide continuing support for the “Future of American Buddhism” Conference with Naropa University.
In 2019, a grant in the amount of $100,000 was awarded to support the in-person and online “Future of American Buddhism” Conference with Naropa University in 2022. The grant enables the planning and implementation of both the in-person event at the Garrison Institute from June 2-5, 2022, as well as the online run-up training and discussion program in the spring of 2022.
In 2017, a grant in the amount of $25,000 was awarded to create and distribute an online course, “The Mindful Workplace.” Naropa University, via their on-campus Authentic Leadership Center, presents customized training to organizations in sectors such as health care, natural foods, publishing, and business consulting. “The Mindful Workplace” on-line course was an extension of this program.
In 2005, a grant in the amount of $145,428 was awarded to establish three annual seminars on “Contemplative Practices in Higher Education.” The object of the program was to support Naropa’s Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education in the development and implementation of a summer institute on contemplative education for faculty from other colleges and universities who sought to incorporate contemplative techniques and practices into their own curriculum. The first three institute programs were successfully implemented during the summers of 2007 through 2009 and are now self-sustaining
In 2004, a grant in the amount of $200,000 was awarded to establish an endowment fund, plus a three-year grant of $30,000 for the purpose of providing scholarships for Naropa University students in the Department of Religious Studies.