Support Saranaloka Foundation

The Saranaloka Foundation, as the steward organization for Aloka Vihara, relies solely on the generous donations (known as dana) of its community members for its ability to offer support to the nuns. It takes about $5,000/month to maintain the vihara and cover all the requisites for the nuns.

In addition to providing for the Sisters well-being, Saranaloka covers other expenses through contributions as well, including legal, insurance, printing, and travel costs. The Board of Directors offer their time to the foundation as volunteers and there are no “fundraising” expenses, as the Buddhist tradition of generosity is part of our practice and we hope, comes from the heart and not obligation!

We currently have $44,000 in the Monastery Fund, which was created to set aside funds designated for purchasing land or otherwise helping to move the vihara to a rural setting. If you would like to donate specifically for this step, please let us know when you make your donation. We do encourage everyone to first support the ongoing need for requisites!

In addition to donations of money, we gratefully accept offers to assist with travel or lodging for the nuns.

To offer a meal:
Please sign up on Lotsa Helping Hands: Meal Dana
or email the Aloka Vihara steward: viharasteward@gmail.com

To offer local Bay Area transportation:
Please sign up on Lotsa Helping Hands: Transportation Dana

For donations of other small items needed at the vihara, please see our regularly updated Dana List.

To offer financial support:
The Board appreciates all financial support. We encourage you to consider breaking your intended donation into a recurring monthly donation. That helps demonstrate an established and ongoing level of support as we look to transition to the rural monastery and either rent or purchase property.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, it is easy to do so in one of four ways:

1) PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account in order to use this option. This option is good for a one-time donation, and there is a small fee deducted from your donation. (read more)

2) Network for Good. This option allows for a one-time or automatic, recurring donation by credit card. It requires a 5% fee. (read more)

3) Automatic Bill Pay from your bank account. Especially good for a recurring donation, usually without a fee. (read more)

4) Mail us a check. Please make your check payable to Saranaloka Foundation, and mail it to:

Saranaloka Foundation
c/o Aloka Vihara
1632 48th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122

Please include your email address and/or postal mailing address, and we will send you a thank you 'anumodana' email or card that you can retain for tax-reporting purposes.

Have a question or need help? (contact us)

Saranaloka Foundation is a Federal nonprofit 501(c)(3) Corporation.
Donations are tax-deductible.
Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN): 42-1701612