by Erica Kondo
Assistant Chief Financial Officer
On behalf of the SGI-USA, thank you very much for your sincere financial offerings to support the organization. Because of your dedicated efforts, we have accomplished many significant milestones toward the expansion of our kosen-rufu movement in America.
Given the rapidly evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have mobilized our resources to further assist members’ practice while spreading our humanistic values to society.
Here are ways in which contributions have been used in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic:
Relief Efforts
SGI-USA Donates more than 15,000 Masks
With a nationwide shortage of essential medical supplies in the fight against COVID-19, the SGI-USA has donated more than 15,000 masks to U.S. hospitals in dire need.
Outreach
First Responders Encouragement Call
SGI-USA held a First Responders Encouragement Call on March 24 with SGI-USA Women’s Leader Naoko Leslie and SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss, who offered faith encouragement to the front-line healthcare responders working around the clock to save lives.
They reminded the participants of Ikeda Sensei’s message: “The medical profession and society as a whole in Japan and around the world are making great efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). I have the deepest gratitude for the countless individuals who are working tirelessly day and night on various fronts in this challenge. I am also chanting wholeheartedly with a fervent prayer for the quickest possible end to this threat and a return to normality and safety” (April 3 World Tribune, p. 3).
SGI-USA Social Media
SGI-USA launched new social media initiatives and programs to provide additional resources for members amid the continued spread of COVID-19.
• World Tribune Newsletter: A weekly newsletter highlighting new and expanded contents of SGI-USA publications and social media.
• New podcast episode (#6): “The Buddhist Response to COVID-19”: A special episode in response to listeners’ requests for a faith perspective on the global COVID-19 pandemic.
• “How Buddhists Create Hope” Instagram videos: Inspirational stories about members manifesting courage and hope through the A-B-C Campaign (Abundant daimoku, Buddhist study and Connecting life-to-life).
• SGI-USA Instagram account: Content is updated daily with members’ experiences, photos, videos and Buddhist concepts.
The Source of Operating Funds in 2019
Members’ contributions accounted for over 80% of the SGI-USA’s yearly operating budget in 2019.
SGI-USA Structure
The SGI-USA is an independent, religious nonprofit organization, registered under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, all contributions are tax-deductible to the donor, as allowed by law.
Oversight Practices
The SGI-USA’s Board of Directors oversees operations and reviews financial statements. The 13 board members bring a variety of professional expertise to their responsibilities. The SGI-USA also undergoes a yearly independent audit of its business affairs to affirm that secure procedures are protecting and accurately accounting for members’ contributions. Our auditor is Moss Adams LLP, a leading accounting and auditing firm. For more information, visit sgi-usa.org/sgiusa-governance.
Thank you again for your heartfelt support to advance kosen-rufu in America in this Year of Advancement and Capable People!
Where can I contribute?
Prioritizing the health and well-being of our members amid the continued spread of the coronavirus, the SGI-USA will accept contributions online, by phone or by mail (please do not send cash):
Membership Portal at portal.sgi-usa.org/portal/contribution
(855) SGI-2030,
(855) 744-2030
Daily, 9 A.M.–5 P.M. PT
Three contribution envelopes are included with the April 17 World Tribune mailing. If you use your own envelope, please put “May Campaign” on the front and address it to: SGI-USA, 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401. Please do not send cash.
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