receive our newsletters
join Friends of FPMT
The FPMT Community Support Fund
Formerly the International Merit Box Project
Above photo: Maitripa College’s Tara Farms, the location for their future Maitripa Rabjungma Community Project for training Western nuns, a recipient of a 2024 Merit Box grant. Photo courtesy of Maitripa College.
The FPMT Community Support Fund was created in 2024 as a new formation of the International Merit Box Project, which provided grants to aid local FPMT centers, projects, services and study groups, and other Dharma initiatives for over 21 years. This new project will continue offering this vital support through grants each year.
What the Fund Supports
In January and February of each year, FPMT International Office accepts grant applications for funding a broad range of activities fulfilling the FPMT mission. These activities include the publication of new teachings and translations, retreat sponsorships, the creation of numerous statues, stupas, prayers and other holy objects, urgent repairs, upgrades and construction projects on center buildings and land, support for community service projects, Universal Education programs, Dharma resources for incarcerated people, and more.
These local FPMT projects and activities often have access to limited other resources, making FPMT Community Support Fund grants vital for their completion. We deeply rejoice in the amazing generosity shown throughout the world to help bring these meaningful and compassionate activities to fruition.
The transformation of the new Tushita Center, Spain, which received a grant for the project in 2022. Photos courtesy of Tushita Center.
Looking Ahead
We expect to see many new applications for projects and activities seeking support in early 2025. We invite your help to make as much resources available as possible. Every offering makes a difference.
Community members for the Center of White Mahakala Study Group in Romania, which received a grant for their stupa and retreat cabin construction projects in 2024. Photo courtesy of CWMSG.
Past Grants
Below are lists of the projects and activities awarded funding each year through the former Merit Box Fund, which totaled over US$1.25 million offered to 354 grants since 2003.
A grant was awarded to FPMT Mongolia in 2024 for their Mahayana Children's Program. Photo courtesy of FPMT Mongolia.
How to Apply for Grants
Grant awards are eligible for FPMT centers, projects, services, and study groups; for initiatives managed by FPMT International Office or other initiatives elsewhere that further the Mission of FPMT. All applicants will submit their request through the FPMT Charitable Projects Grants application form found below.
The 2024 grant cycle was completed. Applications for 2025 can be submitted starting January 1, 2025 through February 28, 2025. The FPMT Charitable Projects Grant application page has more details about what projects and activities are eligible. If you have any questions, please contact the FPMT Charitable Projects Coordinator. Grant awards are disbursed typically in March/April after the application deadline. Learn more and apply.
Offer Your Support
The FPMT Community Support Fund is a project of FPMT, Inc. and is administered by FPMT International Office located in Portland, Oregon, United States. All donations made to this fund are tax-deductible within the United States in accordance with IRS Code article 501(c)(3) to the extent allowed by law.