Requests for grants are given consideration through a formal proposal process of application and review.
The Trust meets twice a year – typically in the Spring and Fall – to discuss proposals and consider their funding. Approximately eight weeks prior to a meeting, the Trust gathers by conference call to review possible proposals, ensure they meet the guidelines, and flag any questions that need to be addressed before the meeting.
The application process for a Trust grant must begin at least eight weeks prior to the meeting at which the application is to be presented. Final applications are due no later than three weeks prior to the meeting.
Each proposal is assigned a Shambhala Trust liaison, who will work with the proposer during the application development process and present the proposal to the Trust.
A project should be completed within one year from the date of the grant, or fundable in phases of no more than one-year increments.
If a project is accepted, funding will be made available when the project is ready to start. Regular status and fiscal accountability reports to the Trust are required.
The intent of the Trust is to promote the practice of generosity across the mandala. In general, grants are given for the partial cost of the project.
The Trust does not normally fund operating expenses (including salaries) or deficits, scholarships, or annual fundraising campaigns.
Major Criteria (what the Trust looks for in a proposal)
- How does the proposal contribute to the advancement of awakened society? Does the proposal generate a sense of lungta?
- Does the proposal address a well-formulated need?
- Does the proposal describe clearly what work will be done?
- Does it explain what results are expected and how they will be evaluated? How will it be possible to assess whether the project is successful?
- Is the timeline for project execution clear and realistic?
- Is the budget realistic, cost-effective, and well thought-out? Have the proposers considered and/or leveraged other sources of funding?
- Does the proposal consider the work that others have done in this field, within and/or beyond the Shambhlala mandala?
- Do the proposers have a track record that would support their ability to execute the proposal (previous projects, references, work experience)?
The Application Process
For access to the application form and the dates of the Trust meeting, prospective applicants should contact Zeb Zuckerberg, the Shambhala Trust Administrator, at the Boulder Shambhala Center, 1345 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80301, Telephone (303) 514-5824, email: trustadmin@nullshambhalatrust.org. Ms. Zuckerberg will answer any questions you may have about the process, provide information about Trust members, and initiate the process of identifying a Trust liaison, based on the general nature of the proposal.