April 30, 2005
Dear Friend of the Dharma Hall:
In anticipation of launching a fundraising campaign, The Dharma Hall Board is asking that individuals begin to consider what money they could give to this effort. Although we are not asking for contributions at this time, the Board wants to inform the membership that there are a number of reasons to raise money for the Hall.
First, even if we stay in our present location, the day will eventually come when we will be asked to leave this building, and we should be prepared to face that inevitability. Second, if we move to a new lease situation, the move will require money to transition to a substantially higher rent and to create improvements to meet our growing needs. And third, if we purchase a building, we of course will need a sizable amount of money to close the deal and make improvements.
We recognize that a fundraising campaign is unique in the history of the Hall. It may seem to some that there is an inconsistency between how they view their Buddhist practice and asking for money. The Board would like to take this opportunity to suggest that supporting the existence of a place of practice is integral to the practice itself, for one is dependent upon the other.
Again, at this time the Board is not actually asking for money or commitments, but is attempting to survey what resources might be available when we begin fundraising. It is critical that the Board have some sense of what money we could put together so that we know what we can realistically be looking at in the market. The information you provide through this portion of the survey will be considered non-binding and confidential. The question of what you can give is not only limited to yourself, but also could go to relatives or other people you may know of outside the Hall membership who are supportive of the Hall’s mission. Please remember that the Bellingham Dharma Hall is a 501(c)(3) corporation; all donations are tax-deductible.
Thank you very much for taking the time to consider this request. Your responses will be held in strict confidence. You may call Bob Penny, Dharma Hall Treasurer, with any questions at 398-8834.
Please respond by June 15th to Bob Penny, 1102 Kelly Rd. Bellingham, WA 98226.
Name
__________________________________ Phone _________
Address_________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
1. How
much money could you give as a one-time contribution? ________
2.
When could this money be available?
___________________________
3.
In addition to, or instead of, a one-time contribution, could you consider a
contribution extended over a period of time, such as an increase in the amount
you currently give in your membership pledge?
How much more might you be able to pledge?
___________________________________________________________
4.
Are there other assets that you might contribute (e.g. stocks, real estate)?
________________________________________________________________________
5.
Would you be willing to loan money to the Dharma Hall?
_____________________________________________________________
6.
How would the choice between a new, more expensive lease arrangement or a
decision to purchase a property affect the amount of money you would consider
giving?
___________________________________________________________
7. Is there anything else you would like us to
know?
____________________________________________________________
Thank you for helping with this survey. Please mail your response by June 15th to Bob Penny at 1102 Kelly Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226 in the envelope provided. Please direct any questions to Bob at 398-8834