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Financial Contributions FAQ

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).

How can I make financial contribution?

SGI-USA provides various opportunities to make contributions. These are completely voluntary, and members are encouraged to use common sense when making them. Annual Contributions can be made in monthly, quarterly or semi-annual installments, or in one annual payment. The minimum monthly contribution is $20.00. General Contributions can be made online or at World Peace Prayer Meetings, which are held monthly. Commemorative Contributions can be made during the month of May every year. This opportunity is provided to SGI-USA members in commemoration of both the founding of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, April 28, and Soka Gakkai Day, May 3.

Specifically, how will my contributions be used?

All contributions are placed in a fund used for SGI-USA activities. They support the faith and practice of SGI-USA members and contribute to the betterment of society. Expenditures fall within the following general categories: Operations: community center leases, insurance, maintenance, utilities and activity expenses. Asset acquisition: the purchase of buildings, properties and equipment, as well as building improvements. Administrative costs: salaries, legal, accounting and administrative costs. Bookstore operations: purchasing, distribution costs and warehousing.
SGI-USA funds are used for our organizational purposes. Occasionally, SGI-USA contributes to domestic disaster-relief or local community projects. SGI-USA makes no contributions to the Soka Gakkai in Japan, SGI or organizations in other countries. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, a broad range of activities can be carried out and many facilities operated with a limited staff.

How do I make a financial contribution?

Financial contributions can be made in person by cash, check or money order; by mail with a check, money order or credit card using a postage-paid Business Reply Envelope; or with a credit card via the Internet at www.sgi-usa.org.

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. A receipt should be obtained for all contributions of $250 or more.

Where can I get more information?