Generosity in Action Worldwide

The International Merit Box Project was created in order to cultivate generosity as part of a daily practice. The Project began in 2001, and every year offerings are collected from FPMT students, centers, projects and services worldwide.

As of May 2017, 248 grants totaling US$1,014,785 in Merit Box offerings have been disbursed to Dharma projects and initiatives working to fulfill the FPMT mission!

The grants have supported a wide range of Dharma activity. Holy objects, book publishing, helping ordained Sangha attend retreats, social service projects, translation work, Dharma libraries, education initiatives and trainings, and the list goes on…

The project is a tangible example of generosity and community in action: FPMT students all over the globe practicing together in order to benefit beings and support the Dharma.

A simple practice at home, can benefit Dharma communities worldwide!

Become a Merit Box Practitioner

Merit Box practitioners keep a Merit Box handy so they can place offerings in it throughout the year. Just think, one’s spare change can help build a new stupa, retreat cabin or translate a Dharma text!

By growing the number of Merit Box practitioners, we hope to also widen the number of projects benefiting from these kind donations. We invite you to consider starting this simple merit practice yourself! Merit Boxes are offered freely through the Foundation Store.

Click here to order a free Merit Box Practice Kit

How to Practice with Your Merit Box (instructions)

Submitting Your Merit Box Offerings

International Merit Box Project donations are collected beginning on Lama Tsongkhapa Day each year (December 12th in 2017), and continuously until March 31, 2018. You can also support the International Merit Box Project now by making a one-time or monthly recurring donation!

DONATE

NOTE: If you are planning to submit more than US$500, please contact donations@fpmt.org for direct bank transfer information. Direct transfers for large donations save a lot on fees!

Applying for Merit Box Funds

Funds collected through the International Merit Box Project are annually disbursed as grants awarded for centers, projects, services, and study groups; for initiatives managed by FPMT International Office or initiatives elsewhere that further the Mission of FPMT.

The 2017 grant cycle was completed in May. Applications for 2018 can be submitted beginning November 1, 2017. Please contact meritbox@fpmt.org to request an application at that time. Applications for the 2018 funding cycle will be due March 31, 2018. Lama Zopa Rinpoche is involved in the application review and approval process, which takes place in April. Disbursements are made starting in May of each year.

Other Ways to Support
Work a Day for Rinpoche | Planned Giving | Endowment Fund | Give a Gift that Helps Others