Does Buddhism place a significance on making contributions? Does Buddhism place a significance on making contributions?Yes. Many of the letters Nichiren Daishonin wrote to his believers begin with expressions of gratitude for their sincere offerings. He praises them for their support of his activities to teach and propagate the Buddhist Law. Because this is an organization that promotes Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, making sincere offerings to support SGI-USA is a profoundly significant and important act for the sake of the Law. Making financial contributions is an expression of our sincere faith in the Gohonzon. It is a cause that will help lay the foundation for peace and prosperity of the world, as well as our personal good fortune and happiness. As Nichiren Daishonin writes: Still greater are the benefits arising from ten or twenty contributions, or from five years, ten years, or a lifetime of contributions. They are even beyond the measure of the Buddha's wisdom...When one encounters this sutra, one will overflow with happiness and shed tears of joy. It seems impossible to repay one's debt to Shakyamuni. But by your frequent offerings to me deep in this mountain you will repay the merciful kindness of both the Lotus Sutra and Shakyamuni Buddha. (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1026–27)
If you would like to learn more about the spirit of contributions, please go to Study Materials. How can I make financial contributions?SGI-USA provides various opportunities to make contributions. These are completely voluntary. Sustaining contributions can be made in monthly, quarterly or semi-annual installments, or in one annual payment. General contributions can be made online at https://portal.sgi-usa.org/portal or any time you visit your local SGI-USA community/activity center. Commemorative contributions can be made from April 28 until the second Sunday of June. Members may choose to make contributions during this time to commemorate both the founding of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, April 28, and Soka Gakkai Day, May 3. Financial contributions can be made:
Specifically, how will my contributions be used?The overwhelming majority of our revenue comes from members' direct contributions. Other major sources of funds include subscriptions and bookstore sales, conference fees (for the SGI-USA Florida Nature and Culture Center) and investment income. All contributions, regardless of timing or location, are used to support the faith and practice of SGI-USA members, and to promote the spread of Nichiren Buddhism and the SGI's philosophy of contributing to peace, culture and education based on Buddhist humanism. The corporation employs staff members to carry out the many tasks needed to support the SGI-USA line organization, including developing study materials and programs, and acquiring and maintaining its more than 90 facilities nationwide. In addition, we have placed a high priority on our long-term savings and investment program, with the goal to create an unshakable financial foundation to support kosen-rufu activities far into the future. A portion of our contribution income is set aside for this program and invested in a well-diversified portfolio based on the advice of top-tier investment professionals. Are my contributions tax deductible?Yes. The Soka Gakkai International-USA is a nonprofit religious corporation, recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and listed in IRS Publication 78. All contributions are tax-deductible. Where can I get more information?If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our toll-free number at 866-501-3220 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm PST) or email us at contributions@sgi-usa.org. |
 The New Youth Division Website
"The Victory of the youth division of the SGI-USA signifies the victory of the youth division throughout the world"... Daisaku Ikeda, President, Soka Gakkai International |
 Florida Nature and Culture Center
The FNCC is located on 125 acres of restored wetlands surrounding Toda Lake. Here amid the Live Oak trees and Sabal Palms native to the Florida landscape, discussions on Buddhism, philosophy and everyday life take place in a relaxing atmosphere. |