Week 04: Why Now?

July 9, 2025

Headshot of Kristen Davis
Kristen Davis, BZC’s Interim Administrative Director

Many of you may be asking, Why are we holding this fundraiser NOW? Given the pain, confusion, exhaustion, and uncertainty our organization is experiencing, how can we ask for support at this time?

That is a sincere and valid question—and one I’ve asked myself as well.

From a practical standpoint, as a religious non-profit, our budget relies heavily on fundraising. Brooklyn Zen Center typically conducts three major campaigns each year: the winter membership drive, the spring peer-to-peer campaign, and the End-of-Year campaign. The consistency of these efforts helps foster trust and predictability with donors, volunteers, and community members.

But this isn’t just about logistics. It’s about something deeper. We need this fundraiser now because it can generate energy, love, and a sense of interconnectedness. It reminds us why we’re part of Brooklyn Zen Center in the first place. It encourages us to reflect: Why do I practice? What do I love about this sangha and this tradition?

In answering these questions, all the wonderful qualities of Brooklyn Zen Center come flooding back—our shared commitment, compassion, and resilience. Reaching out to friends and family to share this need also brings their love and support into focus, creating a rising tide of much-needed metta.

I trust in impermanence—that this current period of instability will change. Our practice, as taught by our founding and current teachers, Teah, Greg, Laura, Sarah, Charlie, as well as Ian and many other sangha friends, has strengthened my ability to stay present with what is uncomfortable and painful. I am learning to embrace our human imperfection, our delusion, and our desire to grow and do better.

I want to be part of reimagining and reshaping our organization. I want to help bring the dharma to all beings. These changes won’t happen overnight. That’s why I’m looking at the long game, and I hope you are too.

This fundraiser is a vital step toward enacting and expanding that vision. I’m here for it—and I hope you will be, too.

with gratitude and big love,
Kristen Davis
Interim Administrative Director


Join the Practice

Stay tuned for more weekly tips, examples, and encouragement and consider joining our fundraising practice group. We’re building this together.

When you’re ready, CLICK HERE to start building your fundraising page.