The Toronto Buddhist Church (TBC) offers several funds and grants to support its members in pursuing various personal and professional goals. These include opportunities for those interested in becoming Jodo Shinshu ministers, pursuing musical endeavours, supporting youth travel, and advancing educational aspirations. To apply for these grants, applicants must be a TBC member, or off-spring of a member (with the exception of the ministerial funds).
Temple members can also donate directly to any of these funds and grants by highlighting the ‘purpose of your donation’ when submitting it via the online form or in person, during service.
Educational funds
Dana Scholarship Fund
The mandate of the Scholarship Committee is to encourage and recognize followers of the Jodo Shinshu faith who have demonstrated their commitment to the faith and who strive for academic excellence by offering them financial assistance in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Eligible Candidates: First time applicants who will be attending their first year of full time post- secondary education at a recognized educational institution within the sole discretion of the Scholarship Committee. Applicants must be members or are children or grandchildren of members of a temple/church in the Eastern District of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada.
General funds
Eitaikyo Fund
Established in 1968, the Perpetual Memorial Fund was originally to record & honour passage of TBC members before us. This fund is for the exclusive maintenance of the naijin. This membership is open to any member of the TBC both living or deceased.
Family or friends may contribute to the fund to have names recorded in the Eitaikyo book that is displayed annually in the Fall during the Eitaikyo service. Upon acceptance of the membership the new member will be given Homyo, if the person does not already possess one and be listed in the membership roll. Application for the use of the fund may be from any individual or group of the TBC.
Legacy Fund
For the TBC in order to assist in the propagation of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Ministerial or religious related funds
Bishop Ishiura Travel Grant
Applicant is a member of a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada, Sunday school, Youth group, or an offspring of a member of the JSBTC. The applicant travels for the purpose of religious education or conference. Special religious study groups affiliated with the JSBTC are eligible to apply for a grant under the same guidelines as for the individual applicant.
Chikai & Sawa Hiraki Memorial Fund
An endowment from the estate of Sawa Hiraki to raise awareness of the teach of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism but not limited to:
1) Sponsoring of speakers or lecturers
2) Sponsoring of Dharma school teachers and/or students or approved seminars
3) Assisting youth on BBC or TBC approved tours, activities, etc.
4) Assisting Ministers and associates in TBC approved projects
5) Providing grants and awards for suitable activities. (Eg possible projects include Youth leadership conference/exchange).
Application may be made to the TBC by any member of the TBC but precedence will be given to Ministers, TBC Board members and Chairperson of Standing Committees, in that order.
Financial Aid for Ministerial Aspirants In Canada (FAMAC) Fund
Established in 1979, the FAMAC was established “to encourage & assist Canadian Buddhists to pursue Buddhist studies and become ministers of the Hongwanji & Buddhist Churches of Canada”, by helping to attain Kaikyoshi. Applicants must be aspiring ministerial candidates who are prepared to serve as full-time resident minister of the TBC OR member churches of the Buddhist Churches of Canada. FAMAC is funded by the TBC, so its primary obligation is to serve the temple. Students must complete Master’s program by the Institute of Buddhist Studies at Berkeley, CA; study at Chuo-Jukkyo-Gakuin in Kyoto for 2.5 years; apply for ordination and for Kyoshi seminar; and must be recommended by the Bishop of JSBTC and officially appointed as a minister.
Ministers Amelioration Fund
Established in 1980 to assist aspiring ministerial candidates who are prepared to serve JSBTC to enhance their professional skills, including assistance for sabbatical or time off. To provide monetary assistance to the Minister, Assistant or Associate Minister, Lay Minister, Lay Leaders, etc for the purpose of enhancing their knowledge or scope of activities for the benefit of the TBC. It is to be awarded to ministerial candidates (at least 18 years +) who will serve JSBTC upon completion of training.
The fund differs from FAMAC to the extent that the candidate need NOT be part of TBC before, during or after receiving the fund. The applicant may use the financial assistance for sabbatical, special courses as public speaking.
Music funds
Mary Ishiura Organ Fund
Established in 1980, applicants must have a prerequisite of a grade 8 piano certificate or equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants can use the funds to train as an organist who will assist the TBC at our services.
Vernon Hakkaku Music Fund
Established in 1983, applicants may use the funds to page for a maximum of 2 years fee for music lessons for an instrument. The selected applicant must be approved by the committee.