Dharma Rain is committed to expressing the teachings in how we operate the temple, and are leaning into our recognition and expression of interdependence in several ways right now. We need some additional support to be able to follow through on this and are asking for some specific help.  

We have an excellent opportunity right now to both lean into some of our partnerships and increase the portion of our energy that is solar-generated.  In addition to adding solar capacity, this project would help integrate Dharma Rain into a broader governmental and nonprofit effort to provide a neighborhood-based response to disasters or extreme weather events. (Dharma Rain is the operational staging area for localized disaster response for the Madison South and Sumner neighborhoods). These measures will increase our sangha’s resilience to climate change and other challenges, as well as saving money and reducing carbon emissions over time.  

The current project involves adding a photovoltaic system to the barn, a shade structure in the garden, upgrading our emergency supplies, and installing a dual port EV charging station near the barn.  The solar array will be half the size of the system on the Sodo building, but will be attached to a battery so that it can provide power even if the local/regional grid is down.  Between reduced utility bills and payments from the charging station, we predict a five year return on investment.  

The Board of Directors has already gathered four targeted grants for a total of $32,500.  An additional $11,500 is needed to complete this project.  The Board experimented with not holding a spring fundraising event this year, but has determined we need some additional funds to follow through on this project – this is more than can be absorbed by the budget.  So we’re reaching out to the sangha for some help.  Please click here to make a donation to this project.  (Dharma Rain is a 501(c)-3 non-profit and all funds are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.)  

Thank you very much for your generosity.
Dharma Rain Board of Directors