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Southern Dharma Retreat Center

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 561695711 ✦ Hot springs, NC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Southern Dharma Retreat Center?

Southern Dharma Retreat Center (SDRC) is a peaceful sanctuary situated in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Its mission is to offer meditation retreats and disseminate teachings and practices from various Buddhist traditions, acting as a valuable resource for teachers, practitioners, and groups in the southeast. Throughout the 2022 calendar year, SDRC conducted a total of 28 retreats, with 504 participants attending, including two online retreats. The retreats, ranging from 2 to 10 nights in length, were led by 24 teachers and represented various Buddhist traditions. SDRC also awarded scholarships and fellowships to 79 retreat attendees, ensuring equal access to spiritual growth. In addition to its permanent staff, SDRC's retreat operations were supported by 13 volunteers, contributing a total of 1,820 volunteer hours.


Official website here: www.southerndharma.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: Two-Star out of Four Stars (73%)

Southern Dharma Retreat Center has received a rating of "Needs Improvement" from Charity Navigator, indicating that while the organization demonstrates some strengths, there are significant areas that require attention. The overall score of 73% reflects positive aspects such as having 100% independent board members and a low liabilities to assets ratio at 9.06%, suggesting good financial health and governance.

However, the organization faces notable limitations, particularly in accountability and finance. The absence of financial statements and missing conflict of interest and whistleblower policies are critical areas of concern. These deficiencies contribute to a lower score in the accountability section, which can impact stakeholder trust and transparency.

Despite these challenges, the Southern Dharma Retreat Center maintains a strong program expense ratio of 89.66%, indicating that a substantial portion of its funds is directed toward its mission-driven programs. Addressing the areas of governance and financial reporting could enhance its overall performance and credibility within the nonprofit sector.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Southern Dharma Retreat Center?

96% of 10 reviewers on Facebook recommend Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many participants express a deep appreciation for the positive environment and uplifting experiences offered by the center. One reviewer highlighted the impact of rediscovering encouraging words left by past visitors, showcasing the center's commitment to fostering a supportive community. This sentiment reflects a larger theme among reviews, where individuals feel rejuvenated and inspired by their time spent at the retreat.

Overall, it's clear that Southern Dharma Retreat Center resonates well with its visitors, who find value in the experiences provided and often leave with a renewed sense of purpose and positivity. The organization seems to effectively deliver on its mission of creating a nurturing space for personal reflection and growth.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Southern Dharma Retreat Center legitimate?

Southern Dharma Retreat Center is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Southern Dharma Retreat Center submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $142,616

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.southerndharma.org

What is the mission statement of Southern Dharma Retreat Center?

Southern Dharma Retreat Center's mission is centered around providing meditation retreats, disseminating teachings and practices from Buddhist and related traditions, and serving as a resource for groups, teachers, and practitioners. The center aims to create a tranquil environment for individuals seeking education, meditation, contemplation, and silence, away from the distractions of daily life. The retreat center is committed to offering a variety of spiritual programs, facilitated by teachers from diverse traditions, providing a conducive atmosphere for quiet reflection and self-discovery, fostering a sense of peace and internal truth. In 2022, the retreat center conducted 28 retreats, including online sessions, with a total of 115 retreat nights, attended by 504 participants from various Buddhist traditions. The center also awarded scholarships to 79 retreat attendees.


Official website here: www.southerndharma.org

Who is the CEO of Southern Dharma Retreat Center?

Sonia Marcus is the Executive Di of Southern Dharma Retreat Center.


Official website here: www.southerndharma.org

What is the revenue of Southern Dharma Retreat Center?

Southern Dharma Retreat Center's revenue in 2022 was $625,383.


Official website here: www.southerndharma.org

Who are the executives of Southern Dharma Retreat Center and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Southern Dharma Retreat Center during 2022 was $10,970. There are 13 employees and 13 volunteers at Southern Dharma Retreat Center.


Here are 11 key members and their salaries:


Sonia Marcus (Executive Di)
  • Compensation: $51,549
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cathy Cole (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carolyn Graham (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Heckel (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Curtis Jordan (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Toby King (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tom Newby (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dana Pulley (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Silva (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Nancy Wright (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alan Young (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.southerndharma.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Southern Dharma Retreat Center?

Southern Dharma Retreat Center's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.southerndharma.org

Learn more at the official website: www.southerndharma.org

Mission Statement of Southern Dharma Retreat Center

Southern Dharma Retreat Center, a refuge for spiritual seekers, is dedicated to providing meditation retreats and making teachings and practices from Buddhist and related traditions available. Acting as a resource for groups, teachers, and practitioners in the Southeast, the center aims to create a serene environment removed from everyday distractions, fostering quiet reflection and promoting peace. In this conducive atmosphere, individuals can delve deeper into their inner selves, uncovering truths within their hearts. For the year 2022, the retreat center hosted a total of 28 retreats, ranging from 2 to 10 nights in length. These retreats were facilitated by 24 teachers from various Buddhist traditions, attracting 504 participants. Recognizing the financial challenges some individuals may face, Southern Dharma Retreat Center awarded scholarships and fellowships to 79 attendees, ensuring the retreat experience was accessible to a diverse group of participants.

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Impact




July, 2024

Southern Dharma Retreat Center provides a sanctuary for individuals seeking refuge and spiritual growth through meditation, contemplation, and teachings from Buddhist and related traditions. Located in Hot Springs, NC, this center offers a remote retreat setting conducive to inner reflection and peace, away from the distractions of everyday life. In 2022, the center conducted a total of 28 retreats, two of which were held online, with retreat lengths ranging from 2 to 10 nights. These retreats, led by 24 teachers representing various Buddhist traditions, were attended by 504 participants.

Furthermore, Southern Dharma Retreat Center awarded partial or full scholarships and fellowships to 79 retreat attendees, demonstrating a commitment to making their programs accessible to a wider audience. The center also benefited from the support of 13 retreat volunteers who contributed a total of 1,820 volunteer hours to help facilitate the retreat operations.

Overall, Southern Dharma Retreat Center's impact lies in providing a space for individuals to delve into meditation, contemplation, and spiritual teachings, fostering personal growth and introspection in a serene and supportive environment.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$625,383 (2022)
Expenses
$519,164 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $12,464
  • Program Service Revenue: $499,653
  • Gross Receipts: $630,107

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,415,173
  • Total Liabilities: $128,356
  • Net Assets: $1,286,817

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

RETREATS - DANA

Revenue

$234,144

RETREATS IN SCHEDULE

Revenue

$185,122

RETREATS IN SCHEDULE- IN KIND

Revenue

$47,770

OTHER - DANA

Revenue

$32,617

Organization Details

Founding Year

1989

Principal Officer

Sonia Marcus

Main Address

1661 WEST ROAD, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

NTEE Category

Code: X50Z - Religion related

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