In Buddhism, Dana Paramita is the first realization of a Bodhisattva. Dana is a Sanskrit word which means "giving." It is a way for us to let go and benefit others. It allows us to open our hearts and step out of the usual profit-and-loss mentality that governs our society. It creates openness and it builds warm connections that are based on the value of our shared experience.

The practice of generosity, or Dana Paramita, is vital to maintaining a healthy Zen Center. You can make a one-time Dana donation or maximize the benefit of your donation by becoming a supporting member through monthly or yearly automatic donations. We extend our deep gratitude to all of you who give to us in so many ways.

Donate to the
Zen Center North Shore

Membership and Recurring Contributions

By committing to regular Dana donations, you will join a community of other practitioners in the important practice of generosity. A recurring donation at the $65/month level also unlocks discounts on ZCNS classes, retreats, and special events.

ZCNS is a 501(c)3 organization, so your donation is also tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable.

Recurring Donation

Membership
$65.00 monthly

As a member, you'll join a growing base of community support and practice energy, and receive discounts on classes, retreats, workshops, and other special events.

Zen Center Friend
$10 or $25 monthly

These recurring donations are extremely important to support our work and they allow us to keep offering our programs and events.

Dharma PIllar
$100-$1000 monthly

Join others who have become Dharma Pillars. We are grateful for the vote of confidence from those who are able to give a little bit more on an ongoing basis.

“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything, it is open to everything.”

— Shunryu Suzuki

Close up of a table with leaves, candles and papers during a Buddhist ceremony

One-time
Monetary Donations

One-time Monetary Donations
Make a one-time monetary donation, or an automatic monthly or annual contribution of any amount. Ways to donate include:

  • Zelle
    Use ZCNS email address: info@zencenternorthshore.org

  • PayPal

  • Check
    Mailed to ZCNS, P.O. Box 3291, Beverly MA 01915

  • Cash at our in person offering box

Other ways to contribute

Economic status should not be a barrier to your involvement in the sangha. If you are unable to make a financial commitment, please consider volunteering to support ZCNS operations and contribute to our broader community. We also accept donations of office supplies and other items that support our ongoing practice.

Volunteering Opportunities
Donate your time, energy, practice, and skills. 

Memorial and Named Gifts
Honor a family member, loved one, or friend by donating in their name.

Matching Gifts
Encourage your employer to add the Zen Center to their corporate matching gifts program, effectively doubling the size of your donations.

Planned Giving
Support our programs through bequests, charitable remainder trusts and gift annuities. Maximize personal objectives while minimizing after-tax costs

The Benefits of Giving Stock
Giving Stock or appreciated securities is an easy way to support Zen Center North Shore that offers significant tax advantages to donors:

  • Receive a tax deduction for the market value of the stock or appreciated securities.

  • Avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation of the stock or securities.

  • Make a larger gift than you thought possible.

IRA Distribution
Don't Need your IRA Distribution this Year?  You can donate it directly to Zen Center North Shore!  All IRA owners age 70 1/2 and older are required to take a distribution. You can roll over that distribution directly to ZCNS, up to $100,000.

  • Avoid realizing the distribution in your net income stream.

  •  Make a larger gift than you thought possible.

  • Want to learn more? Please contact us at info@zencenternorthshore.org.

Zen Center Supplies
Please consider becoming a bodhisattva of Zen Center supplies. It will help us enormously for the following items to be donated:

  • Tea

  • Coffee

  • Toilet Paper and Paper Towels (100% recycled, ideally)

  • Weekly fresh flowers

  • White, 12-inch tapered candles and votives