Shedrub Development Fund (SDF) was established by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2005 to support his monasteries and nunneries in Nepal. SDF’s role became particularly important after the earthquake in Nepal in 2015 destroyed most of the buildings in the monasteries and nunneries.
Our primary focus then became raising and providing funding for new housing, a new enlarged temple, retreat facilities and healthcare needs for the more than 800 monks and nuns. SDF is committed to providing our monastic sangha the opportunity to fully engage on their path of Dharma study and practice for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Since its founding, SDF has provided over USD 5 million in funding for more than 60 projects. We allocate funds raised based upon grant proposals submitted from project coordinators on the ground and work in partnership with volunteers at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery and local organizations to bring about meaningful and sustainable change in support of Dharma activities.
A Board of Directors oversees the management of the Fund. The current Board members are Tom Lesser (President), Jack deTar, Michele Nevarez, and Shireen Patell.
An Advisory Board provides guidance on the growth, management and use of the Fund and helps promote its purposes. Its current members are Richard C. Blum, Richard Gere, and Daniel Goleman.
If you would like to volunteer or get more involved with SDF, please contact us.
Isn’t the presence of the Buddha’s teachings in our world extremely precious? How can we best preserve the Buddhist doctrine? This is what I’ve asked myself again and again — how can we secure the Buddhadharma for future generations? Who can perfectly maintain and uphold the teachings?
—Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
