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Ways of Helping Amaravati

As you probably know the monastery is entirely dependent for its existence on the generosity of its lay supporters. The main purpose of this article is to provide you with an overview of the various forms (both financial and otherwise) in which you as a supporter can help the monastery.
However, before that it might be useful to explain briefly how the monastery administers the donations of its supporters and where it sees its priorities.

Who is responsible for the financial management of the monastery?

Monastics of the Theravadan tradition live in accordance with the original monastic code ‘the Vinaya’ that prohibits them from possessing or holding rights over money in any form. As a consequence of this, the monastery’s finances are ‘stewarded’ by a charitable body - The English Sangha Trust Ltd (UK Registered Charity Number 231310). At present the trust comprises of six lay trustees, who meet regularly at Trustees meetings. The English Sangha Trust Ltd is a UK limited company (Number 565499) and its registered office is Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Great Gaddesden, Hemel hempstead, Herts, HP1 3BZ, UK.

The Trust has set up a Finance Sub Committee, which meets to consider all aspects of financial planning, including the preparation of the budget, quarterly financial reports, annual financial accounts, risk review and internal financial controls. The Finance Sub Committee reports to the Board of Trustees.

How can I help?

Donations of a financial and material nature are obviously essential but offers of assistance in other forms are necessary for the smooth running of the monastery. The following should give you some idea of what form of support might best suit you.

Forms of donation

Standing orders It is very helpful to the monastery to know that there is some degree of regular financial support. Standing orders are one very helpful way of ensuring this. If you are in a position to make such an offering then you can do so by completing a standing instruction to your bank (monthly, quarterly or annually). In certain circumstances it is possible for the Trust obtain tax relief on such donations. Please see below to access a copy of the standing order form.

One of the traditional characteristics of Theravada Buddhism is that the teachings of the Buddha are made freely available to those who wish to receive them. Following this tradition, at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery no charge is made either for teachings or for accommodation. The Monastery runs entirely on a donation basis, and depends for its continued existence and development upon the generosity of its lay supporters. Since people frequently ask for information about how the Monastery actually runs, this page has been prepared for those who would like to know more about these matters.

Monastics of the Theravada tradition live in accordance with the original monastic code - the ‘Vinaya’. This prohibits monks from handling or holding personal rights over money. Consequently, the finances of the Monastery are ‘stewarded’ by a charitable body, The English Sangha Trust Ltd - and are administered by the charity’s Finance Sub Committee, which reports to the Board of Trustees. Trustees and Committee Members are friends and supporters of the Monastery, who serve in this capacity as an expression of their commitment to Dhamma.

The finances are administered in two main categories of funds, the General Fund for the daily running of the Monastery, and where appropriate through Designated Funds which support various building projects and development of the amenities. All of the funds are administered by the Trust and the Committee who manage the funds in accordance with the wishes of the donors. Donations can be made to the General Fund, or for a particular (ie designated) purpose. If amounts received into a designated fund exceed the related expenditure, any excess will be used for the general support of the Sangha.

The latest audited financial statements of The English Sangha Trust Ltd can be accessed on the UK Charity Commission website by using the following link:
Charity Commission

The Trustees of The English Sangha Trust offer the following online facilities as a convenient way of making donations to the monastery.

On-line donation using debit/credit card payable in UK Sterling, Euros, or US Dollar.  This method of donating should be particularly effective for overseas supporters. Please note that The English Sangha Trust will incur a transaction charge of 4% for online donations (on donations attracting Gift Aid) and 3% on all other donations, including those from overseas supporters. 

It is possible to make donations to general funds and also to specified projects. If you wish your donation to be used for a particular purpose you can also advise the Trust Secretary by sending an email to est@amaravati.org

Please note that if the amounts donated for a specified project are ultimately more than necessary any excess will be used for the general support of the Sangha.

Alternatively you can donate (in UK Sterling only) using the Give Now Website.
Please note that The English Sangha Trust will incur a transaction charge of 5% for online donations via this website.

If you have a CAF Charity Card you can donate use the above link to the Give Now website to make a donation.

If you wish to make a donation to the monastery by a standing order with your bank please print the the following page and after filling it in, post it to:

The Trust Secretary,
Amaravati Buddhist Monastery,
Great Gaddesden,
Hemel Hempstead,
Herts HP1 3 BZ

If you live in the UK there is the option of posting us a cheque. Please make cheques payable to

The English Sangha Trust Ltd

Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP1 3BZ.

If you wish your donation to be used for a particular purpose please let us know when sending the donation. Please note that if the amount is more than necessary for the particular purpose any excess will be used for the general support of the Sangha.