About the BDA: Objectives, Guiding Principles, Financial and Fundraising Reports 1993 to 2007
Objectives of the Bodhgaya Development Association
1. To establish a set of activities for the on-going support of community projects in the Bodhgaya region, Bihar, India.
2. To raise funds and secure donations for use in community projects targeted to the poor and needy of this region. The projects should deliver benefits such as:
Education, Health, Literacy, Community Care.
3. To raise the self-esteem and self-reliance of the communities involved.
4. To raise and distribute funds with minimal operating costs, thus ensuring the greatest transfer from the donor to the final recipient.
Guiding Principles
1. The Association will be a secular non-profit body and all its members will offer their services to the Association on a voluntary basis. Members will not be paid for their services.
2. The Association in the conducting of its activities will attempt at all times to act with compassion, integrity and a high regard for the natural and social environment.
3. The Association, with regard to its distribution of funds raised, will focus its attentions on the poor and needy in the Bodhgaya region Bihar State, India. Every attempt will be made to ensure that supported projects raise self-reliance and alleviate suffering in these communities. The beneficiaries will not be limited in accessing these benefits by virtue of their gender, race, religion or caste.
4. The Association will endeavour, whilst conducting its activities, to enrich the local community by raising awareness and giving opportunity to participate in the Group's compassionate activities.
5. The Association will ensure that wherever possible the funds raised are distributed in line with the association's objects.
Financial Reports 1993 to 2007
1993 REPORT - Our first year
For our first year as the BDF we raised a considerable amount of money which is of great benefit to India. From all the children, teachers and others in India we wish to thank our generous sponsors. Also, for the committee, a great vote of thanks.
Our organisation is quite small, only thirty two donors, five of whom are on the committee. Even with so few so much can AND HAS been achieved. A$2,825.00 was raised last year.
1994 REPORT
Dear friends,
Last year was a great success in fund raising, with slide nights, chai stalls, a gala fundraising party, mail outs and many generous contributions. A$5,800 was raised in all; A$4,300 going to the school, A$700 to the destitute home, and a quick go around just before I left for India raised A$800 for our new project run by sister Jessie. All the projects are doing excellent work and having a truly wonderful effect on so many people, please read the individual reports enclosed. Once again thankyou so much for your kind help, and feel assured every dollar you have given has found a useful purpose in India.
Running costs for the BDF were all met by the committee who have given generously in both time and money.
Thankyou
Eoin Liebchen-Meades
1995 REPORT
I'm sitting here in my comfortable lounge listening to the sound track of "Forest Gump" and reflecting on the great things achieved this last year from a small group of caring dedicated committee members and our generous supporters. The up tempo of most of the tracks seems very appropriate.
In total last year A$7,500 was sent to India or 165,577 Rupees which is a very considerable amount of money there. The home for the destitute and dying received A$1,000; Sister Jessie's work A$2,000; and the Pragya Vihar School received A$4,500. Other articles outline the fantastic achievements of these projects, so please read on.
The money was raised by some very sizeable donations plus lots of support from many good friends. Other money came from the very successful preview of the "Little Buddha" movie, held at the Village Twin cinema in July last year, and several meditation courses. Also a special gift was received from Brenda Bayliss who made provisions for her funeral that money would be given to the BDF instead of flowers. Also the family made some direct contributions. It was a privilege to spend time with Brenda as she battled the disease that eventually took her life. Thankyou Brenda & family.
This year a lot of effort is going into incorporation which is the first step to becoming more organized and a charitable institution. We're hoping this doesn't take too much of our energies that might go into raising funds.
The work being done in India is of great value there, plus there is a huge flow on effect for several other groups and people finding avenues for service and help. We are a part of a growing movement of grass roots help and connection with our poorer brothers and sisters of our small world.
Yours in faith
E Liebchen-Meades
on behalf on BDF
96 REPORT
At year end a total of A$6,100 was sent to India. Pragya Vihar School received A$3,500 and Sister Jessie's Work A$2,500. The Destitute Home was given A$100 which was specifically donated. It was felt this project had ample sources of funds and as our funds were limited we have decided to forward specific donations. General funds will flow to meet our primary projects needs.
Whilst fund raising this year has not been as successful as last year, it seems we will be able to deliver at the previous levels. This result is largely due to the A$2,000 raised at the Interfaith Dialogue and a few large contributions. Naturally, we wish to increase our offerings each year. Nevertheless a lot of energy is going in organising a constitution and we hope to direct more energy into fundraising. We are very grateful to all the people who have supported us and there are several people who have now been consistent donors for the four years of our operation.
All donations are a blessing and two large ones deserve special mention of the spirit of unity they embody. Someone had an unexpected windfall and though of limited pecuniary means, found great joy in passing this on for the benefit of our lesser brothers and sisters. The other came from an overseas donor who had heard of our work whilst travelling. We were thrilled with the interconnectedness of us all.
Eoin Liebchen-Meades
for BDF Committee
97 REPORT
Due to the wonderful efforts of the committee particularly at the fund raising film "Siddhartha" and the generosity of our supporters we are raising our contributions. Sister Jessie will receive A$2500 and the Pragya Vihar School will receive A$4500. Though we hope to maintain this level of support we cannot guarantee it but we hope to be as fortunate next year. Once again I wish to thank everyone for their kind support - so little can do so much for so many!!
Eoin Liebchen-Meades
1998 FUNDRAISING
The light of generosity shone brightly this last year. Fund raising was boosted by a substantial donation from Action for World Development, a grant from funds raised by The Dalai Lama in Australia 1996, the very successful "Kundun" function and the wonderful generosity of all our regular donors, including many who choose to give and remain anonymous.
In November, our usual distribution time, A$5,500 went to Pragya Vihar School and A$3,000 to Sister Jessie.
After researching local needs, a further A$7,000 has been sent to Sister Jessie .... and we hold residual to offer support to the extra two projects and also funds in reserve for the P.V. School.
How inspiring are the young! Children at St Aidan's are working this year for our projects, raising money from sweet stalls and free dress days. Special thanks are extended to our youngest ever donor, Michelle, who was so touched by the plight of others that she broke open her piggy bank and left a note for her Mum..."Give this to Eoin for the children".
Pamela Grayson
THE FISCAL REPORT - 1999/2000
by Pamela Grayson
Again this year, our fund raising efforts were fruitful, and we have been able to continue the past support level to our two main projects ... the Pragya Vihar School and Sister Jessie. Our fiscal year runs from March to February, and each November the more regular allocation of funds is sent. Often this is personally delivered by a committee member making a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya, which is invaluable, as it also provides us with feedback on other projects worthy of support if extra funds are held.
Distributed funds in November 1999 were:
Pragya Vihar School A$5,500
Sister Jessie A$3,000
Between April & June 1999 other projects supported by surplus funds from 98/99 year were:
Sister Mary Lobo A$1,000
People First International A$2,000
Sister Jessie A$7,000
Reports and stories on these projects featured in last year's very informative newsletter, compliments of Keith O'Neill who had journeyed to Bodhgaya. Surplus funds this year are limited so no extra one-off donations have been made.
2000/2001 REPORT
Despite the absence of a major fund-raising function we were still blessed with strong financial support, which came from varied sources and from the constancy of smaller ongoing activities.
From retreats organized by Victor, teachers and managers donated to the BDA some or all of the dana received by them and participants also gave generously. We were privileged with an inspiring dharma talk by Christopher Titmuss, a co-founder of the Pragya Vihar School and all monies given benefited the school. At the the Cloudroom at Richmond Road regular weekly/monthly dharma talks, meditation circles and reiki sessions are freely given and the magical 'donation box' at the door provides a constant flow. Other funding came from greeting card sales, chocolate drives, garage and market sales...all new ventures this year and our Web site as well as our recurring donors.
Funds were again personally delivered by a committee member making pilgrimage to Bodhgaya, which brings a two-fold benefit. On return, the member's stories re-inspire the committee and we gain up-to-date and direct knowledge of current project activities.
Distributed funds in November 2000 were:
Pragya Vihar School A$ 5,500.00 and Sister Jessie A$ 3,500.00
Pamela Grayson
FINANCIAL REPORT - 2001/2002
by Pamela Grayson
One Nameste from the Treasurer .... For me, daily professional life encompasses running a business where a product is provided, a price is paid, India type bartering takes place and a constant monitor is needed to retain integrity. It gladdens my heart and keeps community spirit flowing to be a part of a group of people who just give. On behalf of the BDA and the children of Bodhgaya... Thank you for your generosity. It helps to shine a warming light in what is a difficult environment.
Distributed funds to India were $3,500 to Sister Jessie. $5,500 (equivalent of last year's distribution) has been allocated for the Pragya Vihar School but, as this year's school running costs had been met, we were asked to hold our distribution either for a shortfall year or pending decisions for the commencement of High School.
This year we raised $10,795.87 before running costs expense (which expenses are met by committee members). Our nett yearly target is $9,000 so the extra gives us options … to give to another worthwhile project ; to keep reserve funds should we have less fruitful future fund raising times; or to increase funding to Sister Jessie. Just now, no option decision has been made.
Yet again we have been blessed to achieve our yearly target. Temporarily the Garage Sales (with a carry over from last year) has provided the substitute income usually derived from a major fund raising event such as Movie or Dinner gathering. Funds raised via the Retreat when Christopher Titmuss was in Australia have contributed to this year's overflow. This, however, is subject to Christopher's coming to Australia and at most only a bi-annual happening. It is reassuring that aside from the Garage Sales and the bi-annual Retreat that much of our funding comes from recurrent donors. Thank you for your consistency.
The minimum needed for the India projects is $9,000. We still continue to explore other ways and means to raise funds... keeping within our constitution guidelines that any fund raising event should enhance community spirit here in Australia and contribute to people's understanding.
Efforts for the year:
Newsletter response (mostly recurrent donors) $1,400.00
School Students $ 902.65
Greeting Cards sales $ 329.55
Chocolate Drive $ 616.94
Global $ 50.00
Retreat & Coorparoo Talk - Christopher Titmuss, participants
& managers $2,404.70
Garage Sales $2,256.30
General (rec. donors) $1,575.00
Cloud Room $ 711.70
Interest earned $ 549.03
New donors $ 745.00
FISCAL REPORT 2002 - 2003
Pam Grayson
Thank you for your continued support and generosity. This year $10,323.08 in funds were generated. Running costs have been met by the committee members.
REVENUE
Cloud Room $1,144.95
Garage Sale $2,303.40
General Donations $1,795.00
Greeting Card Sales $ 40.00
Global Donation $ 800.00
Newsletter $1,008.96
Organisation $1,000.00
School Students $1,448.25
Retreat (Metta Day) $ 100.00
Chocolate Drive $ 245.01
Interest Earned $ 357.51
We distributed $3500 to Sister Jesse. The Prajna Vihar School still has funds to cover its running costs, so the Bihar committee asked us to put aside $5,500 for later distribution. Some of the funds may be gifted to the proposed high school next to the PV School project, although it is still in the research and decision making stage.
While we trust there will be enough money to support the projects, in our humanness, we have also sometimes felt concern that a shortfall of funds could jeopardize them being able to continue. It is such a blessing to have residual funds for an emergency.
Once again ... on behalf of the children and communities of Bodhgaya ... thank you!
TREASURER'S REPORT: 2003 - 04
Thank you for your continued support and generosity. This year $14,663.31 nett funds were generated. Running costs have, as usual, been separately met by committee members. Donations were received from the following sources:
· Anonymous $1,550.00
· Dharma Cloud - Room Use $1,644.00
· Eoin Meades - Relaxation Centre Courses $2,170.50
· General $356.00
· Global Nil
· Greeting Cards sales $45.00
· Newsletter $2,994.96
· Organizations Nil
· DharmaCloud Retreats - Teachers' & Managers' Dana
$2403.00
+ Donations
· Bluegum Sangha $1690.25
· Tallowwood
Sangha $114.55
· Interest earned $568.30
· Function - Film @ School $1,195.00
Distribution to India this financial year was $4,000 to the works of Sister Jessie. Once again funds have been allocated for The Pragya Vihar School pending request for them to be transmitted.
This year we have again been blessed. Dana has come from many
new donors. Our recurrent donors, a large quorum of whom have
been giving to the BDA since the first Newsletter, have again
honoured us with fiscal funds. And … those who donate their
services and time to the activities and running of the BDA have
continued their aid. On behalf of the children of Bihar India
… "Thank you".
Pam Grayson
FINANCIAL REPORT 2004-5
Pamela Grayson
Last year, we were unable to acknowledge individual donors…but are back on track now. For this fiscal year – March to February 2005 - our thanks are extended to these donors.
New Donors: Pine Rivers High School – L Dorrington –
S York – S Binney – M Popplewell – W Lawrence &
J Gardiner – M Maclurcan – S Clarke – H McNamara
Recurrent Donors: J Russell – M Smith – M Hill &
G Newbitt – S C Russell – M Heron – M Burford &
P Rothlisberg – B Clark – Bill Knight – K Uzsoki
– Tallowwood Sangha – St Aidan's Anglican School students
– S Crawley
Retreat Teachers and Managers
Retreat participants plus : R & T Allen – S Williams
– K McCleod – D pearsons – P Fittock & L Poole
Those who wish to remain anonymous - others who donate time or
expertise in lieu of monetary support – Kemsley Schmidt for
his audit services – The Cloud Room – BDA Committee
members – Overseas donors.
A dissection of the funds received this year:
· Newsletter response (mostly recurrent donors) $1,356.38
· St Aidans Anglican School Students' activities $
491.25
· Pine Rivers High School – talk by Eoin Meades $
100.00
· Retreat donations and donations to
· retreat manager (Victor von der Heyde) $1,993.00
· General (mostly new donors) + a gift of $1,000 $1,475.00
· Cloud Room: donations for room use & Meditation nights $1,025.80
· Tallowwood Sangha
$ 431.20
· Eoin Meades for teaching services at Relaxation Centre
$2,225.50
· Direct Credit deposits to Bank A/c $
525.00
· Interest earned $1,326.27
Every single dollar donated is a blessing. Some of the highlights
are:
· Our recurrent donors .. who reliably keep the coffers
filled.
· Unexpected, bigger than usual donations.
· Funds that are raised by school students and the schools
that encourage those students.
· The efforts of two new meditation groups: Bluegum Sangha
in Sydney and Tallowwood Sangha in Bellingen
· Regular direct credits made to our bank account to honour
the spirit of Patricia Borger.
We endeavour to acknowledge all our donors but errors can happen and also, with direct credits to the Bank A/c, sometimes names are not available.
Our baseline funding of the PV School and Sister Jessie's program is $9,000 each year. This year produced income of $10,949.40 before running cost expenses (which are all met by committee members). $3,500 was sent to Sister Jessie. The funds that were temporarily held over for the Pragya Vihar School, $18,000, went to the school in January.
Thank you all
Pamela Grayson
Treasurer
FINANCIAL REPORT 2005-6
Pamela Grayson
Thank you to all our donors … including those who give of their time or expertise. After due debate, the Committee has agreed to simplify the Treasurer's Report and we will no longer include the names of individual donors.
A dissection of the funds received this year:
| Anonymous | $ 800.00 |
| Dharma Cloud – by donation for room use & Meditation Nights | $1,799.60 |
| Dharma Gatherings - Teachers, Managers & participants | $1,270.00 |
| Dharma Teaching services by 2 committee members | $4,139.25 |
| Direct Credit deposits to Bank A/c | $ 450.00 |
| General | $3,148.80 |
| Newsletter response | $5,464.88 |
| Sangha communities/groups | $1,957.00 |
| St Aidans Anglican School Students' activities | $ 522.40 |
| Drought Relief remitted | $3,000.00 |
| Drought Relief – later | $ 100.00 |
| Interest earned | $1,249.91 |
It's difficult for me to put this into words. Every donation is special. This year, however, income exceeded all expectations. It was $23,901.84 including the $3000 for the special Drought Relief drive. The resources and generosity of some new and recurrent donors saw 13 major donations of between $500 and $2,000 each. The deserving children of India have been blessed.
Our commitment to India is a minimum of $9,000 each year. $5,000 was sent to Sister Jessie for drought relief .. comprised of $3,000 direct donations plus $2,000 from BDA discretionary funds. $3,500 also went to Sister Jessie for her education and ancillary projects. Pragya Vihar School has again required that the yearly commitment of $6,000 remain here until requested.
All moneys received are recorded and allocated as specified by donors. Should any surplus to a particular project be held, it is trackable to that project. Donations were specified as:
Pragya Vihar School $ 3,320.88
Sister Jessie $ 1,150.00
Drought Relief $ 3,100.00
Discretionary $15,081.05
Thank you all
Pamela Grayson
Treasurer
Finance Report 2006-7
This has been the second year with an extraordinary result !! Thank you one and all !! Donations were $17,933.84 which, added to Interest Income, gives a total of $20,114.90. How blessed for the on-going benefit of the children - and others - in Bodhgaya.
An update on our regular yearly commitment , which this year increased to $9,500:
Year PV School Sr. Jessie Total
2000 $5,500 $3,000 $8,500
2002 $6,000 $3,000 $9,000
2006 $6,000 $3,500 $9,500
It seems that our commitment for the Prajna Vihar School may increase
to around $7,500 per year, making an on-going yearly amount of
$11,000. Final figures are yet to be confirmed.
A reflection back to year 2000:
From 2000 to 2005, small surplus funds came to hand being in the
vicinity of $500 to $1,000 p.a. This was a source of great joy
as, over time, the accumulation would be a back-up if faced with
a lean year. In the early days our direct donation resources were
slim, our faith was high and incredible energy was expended to
raise funds. One year, two film functions and a gigantic banquet
with entertainment were hosted .. in others major garage sales
were run and other film events. While these were very enjoyable
and enlivened our community, to bring them together required an
input of much time and energy.
Part of our surplus funds are already allocated for land to expand the existing school. As some time has elapsed since this was first proposed, the cost of land around Bodhgaya has increased. Now we have had two years of higher revenue, focus is again on how best to make use of these funds or whether they should be held in reserve. The school has no financial back-up system and having some funds in reserve gives a degree of safety.
Caring for the books of account can be rather rote and analytical
but it also tells delightful stories. This year has seen funds
come from: meditation gatherings at private homes in various parts
of Australia; an individual's own fund raiser .. $800 , sangha
(meditation) groups, dharma teaching by committee members, past
donors who have popped back in after a few years' break, recurrent
donors for over 10 years, one international, eight people who
have each donated between $500 and $1,000 and .. a new donor who,
over the year, just kept dropping in his group session "dana"
in all totalling $3,150 . And … never forgetting … all
donations big or small, or simply of time or services, are an
honour and inspiration to receive.
A dissection of the funds received this year
| Cloudroom and DharmaCloud – by donation for room use & meditation nights | $1,977.50 |
| Dharma Teaching services by 2 committee members | $3,285.95 |
| Direct Credit deposits to Bank A/c | $3,100.00 |
| General | $6,100.00 |
| Newsletter response | $2,295.39 |
| Sangha communities/groups | $1,175.00 |
| Interest earned | $2,181.06 |
Donations were specified as
| Prajna Vihar School | $ 1,830.00 |
| Sister Jessie | $ 2,630.00 |
| Discretionary | $13,473.84 |
This year $4,500 was sent to Sister Jessie for her education
and ancillary projects. At their request, the Prajna Vihar School
allocation of $6,000 again remains in Australia and will be most
likely be forwarded when the FCRA status has been confirmed.
Thank you all.
Pamela Grayson,
Treasurer