Dear Grantee Network and Friends,
Recently, we sent a survey to all current and past grantees to ask what skills would assist them the most to support their work. We provided a list of options. The survey came back with a majority asking to learn about fundraising. The result, Revenue Generation for NonProfits, became a set of four free two-hour workshops beginning Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
We searched for the best teacher and found Thomas Bruner, Principal of Bruner Strategies. After training to become a Zen monk, Thomas decided he could help Buddhist non-profits in other ways–including by strengthening their fundraising initiatives. A long time successful fundraiser, Thomas came highly recommended by our colleagues at other foundations and Buddhist clients with which he had worked.
The workshops were implemented as follows:
- Workshop One — Wednesday, February 25, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. PTRevenue Generation for NonProfits Basics – Think generating revenue for your nonprofit has to feel awkward or overwhelming? Think again! Join us for an energizing, hands-on workshop where we’ll demystify the basics, share simple strategies that work, and reframe an approach to revenue generation as an invitation to partnership. Expect clarity, connection, and a few “aha!” moments along the way.
- Workshop Two — Monday, March 23, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. PTHow do thriving nonprofits actually generate sustainable revenue? Join fundraising consultant Thomas Bruner for a lively conversation featuring two compelling real-world success stories.
Hear from Koshin Paley Ellison, Co-founder of New York Zen Center, and Aaron Stryker, Executive Director of Dharma Gates, as they share the strategies, challenges, and breakthroughs that helped grow their organizations.
- Workshop Two — Monday, March 23, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. PTHow do thriving nonprofits actually generate sustainable revenue? Join fundraising consultant Thomas Bruner for a lively conversation featuring two compelling real-world success stories.
Bring your questions—there will be plenty of time for discussion and Q&A. You’ll leave with fresh ideas and practical insights you can use right away.
- Workshop Three — April 22, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. PTTwo high performing fundraisers–Lea Wood of Spirit Rock and Susan O’Connell of San Francisco Zen Center–share how fundraising became a sustainable practice and a core part of their Buddhist path. Facilitated by Thomas Bruner.
- Workshop Four — Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. PTFamily and youth programs: how they developed organically, their financial impact, and how this work expands not only fundraising opportunities but community impact and recognition. Case studies by Kakumyo Lowe (Abbot, Dharma Rain). In the second half of this session, Thomas summarized the main points of prior sessions and encouraged workshop participants to return to Workshop One to keep the basics in mind.
We encouraged attendance at all four sessions. Fundraising is both art and science, and success builds over time.
The recordings of all four workshops are posted on the private Lenz Foundation Circle Network. The link to Circle was provided in all emails announcing this workshop series. If you did not receive the link and would like to view the recordings, please contact us for the Circle link.
Best regards to all,
The Lenz Foundation
Disclaimer: All content provided in these workshops is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, investment, or financial advice. No guarantees are made regarding outcomes or revenue results.