Frequently Asked Questions

  • Donations to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are generally tax-deductible if you itemize deductions, typically up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Starting in 2026, a permanent "above-the-line" deduction allows non-itemizers to deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 married filing jointly) for cash contributions, according to U.S. Bank and National Philanthropic Trust.  per IRS (.gov) +3

    Key Rules for Charitable Tax Deductions:

    • Qualified Organization: Donations must go to an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) organization. Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to verify.

    • Itemizing vs. Standard Deduction: To deduct, you usually must itemize on Schedule A (Form 1040), though 2026 tax law changes introduce a universal deduction for non-itemizers, note 

      Thomson Reuters tax experts and National Philanthropic Trust.

    • Documentation Requirements:

      • Any cash/property: Keep bank records, credit card statements, or written receipts from the charity.

      • $250+: A written acknowledgment from the charity is required, say IRS publications and Intuit TurboTax Blog.

      • Over $5,000: A qualified appraisal is generally required for non-cash items, according to IRS forms.

    • Limits: Cash donations to public charities are generally limited to 60% of AGI, while donations of appreciated assets (like stock) held for more than a year can be deducted at fair market value up to 30% of AGI, explains Fidelity Charitable.

    • Non-Deductible Contributions: Donations to individuals, political organizations, or the value of your time/volunteer work are not deductible.

    • Benefits Received: If you receive goods or services (e.g., a dinner or concert ticket), you can only deduct the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit, notes IRS tax topics.  per IRS (.gov) +9

    For high-value donations, consider "bunching" donations into one year to exceed the standard deduction threshold, advises U.S. Bank.  per U.S. Bank

  • Financial contribution goes towards the support of the monastic Saṅgha of this temple with support in food, cloths, shelter, and medicine/healthcare.

    Shelter includes maintenance (structural & utilities) and upgrades such as forest lodgings, trails-expansion, stupas, meditation halls and libraries.

    This can also include travel and lodging expenses of the monastics to help spread the Dhamma, but restrictions to prevent abuse apply here.

  • Yes.

    We have a monthly events coordinator headed by Mr. & Mrs. Victor & Monekeo Siharath to decorate and prepare cultural decorations and boun event set-ups.

    Future projects coordinator headed by Ms Sandy Manivong to prioritize major projects such as: parking lot with drainage system, and a new multi-purpose hall (salā), new Uposatha Hall site.

    Weekend volunteer group head by Ms. Jennifer aka JJ, to maintain trails and landscape the property, but she also works closely with Ms Sandy to build smaller projects such as forest meditation huts (kutis).

    Click HERE to register for Volunteering your time to help this community grow.

  • Yes.

    There is an Amazon Wish-List, but it is preferable to contact Ms. Sandy and Mr Zak in regards to what the temple’s needs are, as we do not want your contributions to be wasted and just kept in storage.

    We accept food but monastics can only consume alms-food between the times of morning to noon.

    Prepared meals such as Uber-Eats and DoorDash are accepted, but please inform the monks of the ETA so that the meal(s) can be accepted and consumed.

    Non-perishable food is also accepted to be stored and can be sent via Insta-cart or other delivery/drop-off services for your convenience.

    If you’re nearby and want to contribute with a meal, please drop by!

  • Yes.

    All donations, whether financially, physical work, or meditation are meritorious and can be dedicated to our past loved ones, according to the Buddhist traditions.

    Please see the Volunteering section of this FAQ