Lenz Foundation Grants 2003-2023
The Foundation draws its inspiration from Rama – Dr. Frederick Lenz and his groundbreaking work to establish a uniquely American form of Buddhism. In particular, we have developed a community- and capacity-building strategy that reflects his special insights into the role Buddhist principles and practices play in transforming the lives of individuals, thus shaping an enlightened American society and culture. We provide general-assistance and restricted grants, program-related investments, education and training and other programs designed to grow and strengthen the emerging community of American Buddhist institutions.
What We Fund
The Foundation funds transformative nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to reshaping their fields by applying and disseminating Buddhist principles and practices in their work. In particular, we are interested in the following funding general themes:
Community
Growing and strengthening American Buddhist organizations and sanghas.
Collaboration
Joint programs among American Buddhist groups, plus cross-sector collaborations with aligned non-Buddhist organizations.
Capacity-Building
Fundraising and organizational development infrastructure designed to help American Buddhist organizations achieve scale and sustainability
Meditation
Applying and disseminating Buddhist contemplative disciplines for personal growth, and in the fields of science, education, health care, and social services
Living & Working in the World
Incorporating and disseminating Buddhist principles and practices in the areas of work, family, civil society, and popular culture
Pay It Forward
The Pay It Forward Sustainability Finance Fund is an innovative program designed to assist Lenz Foundation grantees to develop, launch, and sustain major donor campaigns and other high-impact fundraising initiatives that lead to financial sustainability.
Women in Buddhism
Supporting innovation and advancing the cause of women’s leadership in American Buddhist communities and organizations