“I am a kinder, happier, better-balanced person.”
“This retreat led to a complete shift in how I saw myself and the world.”
“I have come to know that true freedom and liberation are within us every moment.”
“The whole experience was a gift to my soul.”
“One of the most important, memorable, and transformative experiences of my life.”
Scholarship Giving
Sharing Access to the Dharma
Spirit Rock retreat scholarships offer an important access point to the Dharma, and are a key element of our mission and vision of sharing the Buddha's teachings of compassion, generosity, and liberation. Amidst the political and social challenges of our times, and in light of our commitment to liberation, we serve as a vital spiritual sanctuary and refuge for all.
In 2025, we awarded 2,200+ retreat scholarships and 7,500+ non-residential scholarships to those who faced barriers to practice: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color practitioners (BIPOC), the LGBTQIA+ community, young adults, seniors, and others experiencing financial challenges.
We could not have achieved this without the support of our donors. To join our community of supporters, we invite you to make an investment in our scholarship funds through a one-time, monthly, or annual gift. An investment in these funds signifies your commitment to collective liberation and acknowledges our interdependent lives.
Mudita-Karuna Scholarship
Mudita/Karuna General Scholarships provide financial assistance to elders (65+) on fixed incomes, young adults, people with serious medical conditions or life-threatening illnesses, or anyone experiencing general financial hardship.
The ripple effect of hearing, integrating and living the practices offered at Spirit Rock cannot be overstated. Contributing positively to practitioners' well-being, their presence in diverse communities seeds acts of generosity and cooperation, and ultimately spreads practices of wisdom and compassion. Providing generous financial assistance allows Spirit Rock to fulfill its mission and keep the doors to the Dharma open wide for all.
Dr. Marlene Jones People of Color Scholarship
This fund provides retreat scholarships for our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community and honors the legacy of Dr. Marlene Jones, who had a powerful impact on the Spirit Rock community.
Dr. Marlene Jones was a teacher and professor, a mother, a devoted community member, a woman committed to justice, a public servant, an educator, an advocate for genuine diversity and true respect for all, and a visionary and important pioneer in our Buddhist communities. She was instrumental in creating the first daylongs for People of Color, the first residential retreats for People of Color, and the first diversity trainings at Spirit Rock.
