by Erica Kondo
Assistant Chief Financial Officer
On behalf of the SGI-USA, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your ever-increasing “earnest resolve” and sincere financial contributions to support our movement for peace in the U.S., Guam and the Caribbean.
In 2023, members’ financial contributions accounted for over 86% 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 our movement for peace—grounded in the respect for the dignity of life—and increase visibility in our communities, while supporting members’ Buddhist practice.
Here are ways in which contributions have been used to support our kosen-rufu movement last year:
Operating and Capital Expenses in 2023
CAPITAL EXPENSES AND FACILITIES MAINTENANCE: Members’ contributions support the operations and maintenance of 82 SGI-USA Buddhist centers and facilities. They allow us to operate and staff our centers, and to open or renovate new centers across the country. In 2023, SGI-USA was able to purchase the previously rented New Orleans and Detroit centers.
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES: These include support for our social media outreach (including Buddhability), nationwide webinars, rental facilities to support various activities, 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 54% of members’ financial contributions are received during the annual May Contribution activity, making it a vital source of support to advance our movement.
SUSTAINING CONTRIBUTIONS: Members make monthly or quarterly contributions via automatic credit/debit card or e-check deductions to support kosen-rufu throughout the year.
GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Contributions received from members throughout the year (in addition to May Contri-
bution or Sustaining Contribution), including but not limited to IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, Donor Advised Funds and Matching Funds, enable us to further build and strengthen our SGI-USA network for peace.
OTHER REVENUES: The remainder of our operating funds comes from publication subscriptions, bookstore sales and investment income. (Estate gifts are designated separately to the Millennium Fund to support the long-term 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., Guam and the Caribbean by advancing toward 2030 with joy and courage!
May 17, 2024, World Tribune, p. 11
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