Future Dharma Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £404,770 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3 months (seed funding), up to 4 months (major grants)
• Grant Range: Up to £3,000 (seed) - £70,000+ (major grants)
• Geographic Focus: International (Triratna Buddhist Community worldwide)

Contact Details

Website: www.futuredharma.org

Email: admin@futuredharma.org / applications@futuredharma.org

Phone: 7583107258

Overview

Founded in 2016 and launched in 2017, Future Dharma Fund is a UK registered charity (1167344) that facilitates the flow of generosity throughout the Triratna Buddhist International community. With total annual expenditure of £404,770 (2024), the fund raises money from individuals and related organizations within the Triratna Buddhist Community to award grants to charities, projects and groups that further Buddhist practice and teaching. Since its inception, Future Dharma has supported over 48 projects worldwide, ranging from establishing new sanghas in Tokyo and Malta to funding major infrastructure projects like the £70,000 modernization of Triratna's online platforms. The fund operates with a clear mission to help the Triratna Buddhist Community grow, deepen, and prosper globally.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Seed Funding: Up to £3,000 (3-month decision timeline, streamlined application)
• Major Grants: Over £3,000 (up to 4-month timeline, requires Trustees approval)
• Multi-year commitments: Available for strategic projects (e.g., £3,000 over 3 years for new sanghas)

Priority Areas

Future Dharma funds projects aligned with three core values:

Breadth - International growth and diversity

• New centers or groups in new locations
• Projects for under-represented groups including younger people
• Initiatives for living or working together

Depth - Training in Sangharakshita's Dharma system

• Dharma teacher training and resources
• Ordination training support
• Residential communities
• Team-based right livelihoods

Unity - Coordination and leadership

• Infrastructure projects
• Roles fostering collaboration
• Enabling organizational direction

What They Don't Fund

Grants are restricted to organizations within the Triratna Buddhist Community only. Non-Triratna Buddhist projects are not eligible.

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Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team:

• Nandavajra - Director (Newcastle, UK) - Believes Future Dharma can be a "bold and ambitious expression of Sangharakshita's vision of 'Transforming self, transforming world'"
• Kusalaraja - Fundraising Director (Devon, UK) - Motivated to “pay this gift forward”
• Pundarika - Supporter Care Officer (Norwich, UK)
• Samantavajra - Finance Manager (Paris, France)

Board of Trustees (9 members):

• Paramabandhu - Chair of Trustees
• Ksantikara - Movement Representative
• Subhadramati - College of Public Preceptors Representative
• Jnanadhara - International Movement Coordinator
• Vajrapriya - International Order Convenor
• Vajratara - College of Public Preceptors Representative
• Jnanagarbha - International Council Convenor
• Shubhavyuha - Order Representative

How to Apply to Future Dharma Fund

How to Apply

Seed Funding (up to £3,000):

1. Download application form from website
2. Optional pre-application consultation recommended
3. Submit completed form to applications@futuredharma.org
4. No formal deadlines - rolling basis

Major Grants (over £3,000):

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EoI)
2. Discuss project details with Future Dharma team
3. Submit full grant application
4. Await Trustee Board review (meets quarterly)

Decision Timeline

• Seed Funding: Within 3 months of application
• Major Grants: Up to 4 months (Trustee Board meets quarterly)
• EoI Response: Within 2 months (usually sooner)

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Not specified, though pre-application consultation is encouraged

Application Success Factors

Based on funded projects and stated priorities:

• Clear alignment with Future Dharma values - Projects must demonstrate contribution to Breadth, Depth, or Unity within Triratna
• International and diversity focus scores well - Recent grants include new sanghas in Tokyo, Malta, Mexico, and support for under-represented groups
• Multi-year sustainability planning - Many successful projects receive 3-year funding commitments
• Infrastructure and digital projects welcomed - £70,000 granted for Modernising Triratna Online demonstrates appetite for substantial infrastructure investments
• Leadership and training initiatives prioritized - International Movement Coordinator received £23,855, Excellence in Dharma Training £37,500 over 3 years
• Pre-application consultation recommended - Fund encourages reaching out before formal submission
• Clear project vision with detailed budget - Major grant guidance emphasizes articulating vision and providing comprehensive delivery plans

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Triratna-only funding - Must be part of Triratna Buddhist Community to be eligible
• Two-track system - Choose seed funding for quick decisions under £3,000, major grants for larger strategic projects
• Rolling applications - No fixed deadlines, apply when ready
• Value alignment essential - Frame project explicitly around Breadth, Depth, or Unity values
• International projects welcomed - Strong track record of funding new sanghas globally (Tokyo, Malta, Madrid, Puebla)
• Infrastructure investments supported - Willing to make substantial grants (£70,000+) for strategic digital/organizational infrastructure
• Multi-year funding available - Consider requesting 3-year commitments for sustainable growth projects

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Camellia Foundation
• Westhill Endowment
• The Dr N K Shah Trust
• Theravada Monastic Trust
• Susila Dharma Britain
• The Tibet Relief Fund Of The United Kingdom
• Society Of The Holy Child Jesus Cio
• The Dwf Foundation
• Transition Network
• The Cumber Family Charitable Trust

References

• Future Dharma Fund website - www.futuredharma.org
• Applying for Funding page - futuredharma.org/applying-for-funding/
• Apply for Seed Funding - www.futuredharma.org/fund-your-project/apply-for-seed-funding
• Apply for Major Grant - www.futuredharma.org/fund-your-project/apply-for-a-major-grant
• Projects Funded - www.futuredharma.org/what-we-fund/projects
• Team page - www.futuredharma.org/team
• UK Charity Commission Register - register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5076367/charity-overview
• Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center grant announcement - aryaloka.org/news/future-dharma-grant-purchases-air-purifiers