1. How does the Shinnyo-en Foundation approach grantmaking?

Since we operate within a limited budget, the Shinnyo-en Foundation gives grants to organizations with 501(c)(3) status (no individuals) that share our philosophical values and priorities. Grants are given by invitation only, and therefore go out to groups with whom we can create working relationships. For more information on our values and priorities, please see Who We Are. For more information on the kinds of projects we support, please visit Grants. If you think your organization may be of interest to us, contact Liane Louie at 415-777-1977 ext. 3 or llouie@sef.org

2. What are your criteria?

Besides the criteria listed above, our relationship with your organization is the key component to receiving funding. Grants are given to groups whose agenda aligns well with our foundation’s mission and our current interests. Recent interests have included – service learning; character education; disaster relief; and programs that address the root causes of suffering. The Shinnyo-en Foundation is primarily interested in organizations with whom we can form collaborative learning relationships – those that are interested in working with us to achieve shared goals.

3. Where do your funds come from?

We are funded by an endowment from SHINNYO-EN USA, a Buddhist Order.

4. What does Shinnyo-en mean?

Translated from the Japanese, Shinnyo-en means “a borderless garden of truth.”

5. How do I approach the Foundation for funding?

Unfortunately, we cannot accept unsolicited proposals or requests for funding. To see if your organization’s priorities align with ours, please contact our program officer as listed above.

6. What is the funding cycle?

We have two funding cycles per year – late Spring, and late Fall. While there is no deadline to reach us by for these cycles, it would be useful to connect with us by January for the Spring cycle, and August for the Fall cycle.