March 2026 News
Ways that we can help
Hello Abhayaratna Trust Supporters,
In the last Newsletter I introduced myself having been appointed as the new Director of the Trust. In my first two months in the role, I have been familiarising myself and finding out more about the work of the Trust. In doing so I have learnt more about the ways in which the Trust offers help through the provision of grants, individual appeals, help with the costs of training and re-training, the development of Sangha support networks and our work in India helping to set up livelihood projects and supporting the health needs of Dharmacharinis.
Although I already knew about the Trust’s work, I realised that I did not know a great deal about the detail or the specific ways in which the Trust helps in these various ways. I also know from talking to friends and supporters of the Trust that I am not alone in this. With this in mind the team thought it would be good to let people know more about the various aspects of the work that supporter’s generosity and contributions bring about.
So, in our upcoming newsletters we will be spotlighting various areas of the Trust’s work and the ways in which the Abhayaratna Trust fulfils our mission to relieve hardships and its consequences for individual Order members. We will also remind you of the ways that you can participate in the Trust’s work. We start the series off by this month focusing on Grants for help with living expenses.
Grants for Help with Living Costs
Grants to help with living costs are one of the main ways that the Trust helps Order members experiencing hardship. In 2025 we awarded 53 grants totaling £36,693. Grants can be up to £1,500 (or the equivalent in local currency) and while some people do receive the maximum amount many of the grants given are for smaller amounts for particular needs or expenses, such as for example dental costs or car repairs. Grants are requested for a wide variety of reasons and needs. The diagram below gives an indication of the range and type of requests that we receive.
The most common area of support requested is for grants to help with Dharma‑related activities such as attending retreats (including solitaries), order gatherings, conventions, and the travel costs associated with these events. It is fantastic that with these grants Order members can attend dharma activities to support and develop their individual and collective practice and remain in connection and contact with the Order.
But as you can see in the diagram there are many other areas for which grants were awarded, including for health and well‑being needs, general financial support, everyday living expenses, and unexpected emergencies or crises. So, for those who are experiencing financial hardship it is worth bearing in mind that there are many areas where assistance can be provided. If you are experiencing hardship, we encourage you to consider if a grant in any of the areas mentioned above, which you might not have considered, before would make a difference to you. We know that even relatively small grants can go a long way and have a significant positive impact.
Helping buy a pair of glasses
Aryadhi
Aryadhi’s recent request provides a very good example of how a grant for help with glasses can have a very positive outcome. Aryadhi writes 'Following redundancy in December 2024 and living on basic Universal Credit income of £400 pcm since, additional expenses such as prescription glasses would simply not be possible. Thanks to the generosity of Abhayaratna Trust donors, I was able to apply for a grant of £237, (the government subsidised rate for those receiving benefits), for the purchase of new spectacles. My thanks also to the Abhayaratna Trustees for approving this grant.'
How you might be able to help
If you have a friend or know someone who you think might be in need of help, please let them know about the Trust and our Grants. Perhaps you could encourage them to apply, offer help with the application if they need it and even apply on their behalf (as long as you have their permission to do so).
We understand that asking for money or help can be difficult and people may be reluctant to apply. If people are hesitant, you can remind them that donors have already given money to the Trust so that it can be used to help others in situations such as theirs and in being open to receiving that generosity, they help the circulation of kindness and care within the Order and movement.
If you have any questions about the grants application process please contact kshantika@abhayaratnatrust.org
Spreading the word
More generally as a supporter of the Trust you can help to spread the word about the work of the Trust, such as the provision of grants as presented here. So do please tell other people about the work that we do. The more people know about the Trust the greater our reach and the further our work, and your generosity and kindness can spread.
If you are particularly interested in becoming a champion of the Abhayaratna Trust, you might consider becoming a local representative of the Trust. To find out more please contact ghosaka@abhayaratnatrust.org for further information.
Contact Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org with any questions or feedback.