by Erica Kondo
Assistant Chief Financial Officer
On behalf of the SGI-USA, I want to express our appreciation for your sincere financial offerings to support the organization. Because of your amazing support, we have further expanded our kosen-rufu movement in the U.S., the Caribbean and Marianas Islands.
In 2022, members’ financial contributions accounted for over 90% of the SGI-USA’s yearly operating budget. Therefore, our May Commemorative Contribution activity continues to be a critical component in our efforts to advance kosen-rufu and support members’ Buddhist practice.
Here are ways in which contributions have been used to support the organization and its members and guests last year:
Operating and Capital Expenses in 2022:
CAPITAL EXPENSES AND FACILITIES MAINTENANCE: Members’ contributions support the operations and maintenance of approximately 90 SGI-USA Buddhist centers and facilities. This includes the completion of the new SGI Guam Ikeda Peace and Culture Center in Tamuning, Guam, and many improvements at our Florida Nature and Culture Center in Weston, Florida. In addition, we recently relocated the centers in Orlando, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES: These include support for our social media outreach (including Buddhability), our enhanced member portal, SGI-USA Zoom accounts, nationwide virtual conferences and webinars, the SGI-USA study department, our community relations work and other projects.
PUBLICATIONS AND BOOKSTORES: Production and operational expenses related to the World Tribune, Living Buddhism and our bookstores. (The SGI-USA is committed to offering publications and books at the most affordable rate possible, rather than making a profit.)
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE: Purchases of equipment and supplies, payment for professional services and staff compensation.
FUNDRAISING: Preparations and mailing of letters and contributor gifts, administrative expenses and other projects.
Primary Sources of Yearly Operating Funds
MAY CONTRIBUTIONS: Nearly 60% of members’ financial contributions are received during the annual May Contribution activity, making it a vital source of support to advance our kosen-rufu movement in the U.S.
SUSTAINING CONTRIBUTIONS: Members make monthly or quarterly contributions via automatic credit/debit card or e-check deductions to support kosen-rufu throughout the year.
OTHER REVENUES: The remainder of our operating funds comes from conference income, publication subscriptions, bookstore sales, general contributions and investment income. However, substantial expenses are associated with several of those categories. (Estate gifts are designated separately to the Millennium Fund to support the future of kosen-rufu in America.)
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 14 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 https://www.sgi-usa.org/sgi-usa-
corporate-governance-and-board/
Thank you again for your heartfelt support to advance kosen-rufu in the U.S. and the Caribbean and Mariana Islands, joyful and triumphant with the heart of a lion king!
May 19, 2023, World Tribune, p. 11
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