Two of Southern Dharma’s guiding principles as an organization are Hospitality and Accessibility. We recognize that we are on a continuous journey to make people feel increasingly welcome, supported, and included in every aspect of our programs and our physical spaces.
Toward that end, the Center offers multiple forms of financial assistance for attending our retreats. If you have any questions about these opportunities or whether you meet the stated requirements, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at registrar@southerndharma.org. Otherwise, just indicate your interest in one of the following programs during the program registration process.
Need-Based Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of friends and donors, Southern Dharma continues to offer need-based scholarships for all of our retreats and programs. Please note that our scholarships cannot be combined and do not include dana for your teacher or the Center.
In the interest of further promoting the diversity of our participants, we would like to especially encourage individuals in the following groups to apply: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) and people under 30. That being said, all who are in need are welcome to request assistance.
Individuals can request a scholarship award of 50% off the Base Rate for one retreat per year. Please indicate in the registration form that you would like to be considered, and you will be guided through the application and payment process.
If you require further financial support in order to attend, please contact registrar@southerndharma.org.
BIPOC and Young Adult Scholarships
Southern Dharma is committed to creating a retreat environment that is welcoming and inclusive of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and practice traditions. In the interests of promoting greater racial diversity among our participants, we are now offering two additional scholarship programs:
- Black, Indigenous or Person of Color (BIPOC)
- Young Adults (30 and under)
Please note that scholarships cannot be combined and do not include dana for your teacher or the Center. You will be invited to offer donations to the teacher(s) and/or the center at the end of your retreat.
Individuals can request a scholarship award of 50% off the Base Rate for one retreat per year. Please indicate in the registration form that you would like to be considered, and you will be guided through the application and payment process.
If you require further financial support in order to attend, please contact registrar@southerndharma.org.
Hemera Fellowships
In an interconnected world, a contemplative practice creates the space for self-awareness that promotes personal well-being and a compassionate connection to self, community and nature.
The goals of the Hemera Fellowship Program are:
- to support individuals through contemplative practices offered at a residential retreat; and
- to support retreat centers that are working to make retreat practice more accessible and available to the public.
The long-term vision is that fellowships become the basis for an ever-expanding network and community of individuals whose personal and professional lives are informed and supported by contemplative practice.
Fellow Eligibility
Anyone 18 years of age or older with a commitment to service - a deep desire to devote oneself to serving others through their profession - is eligible for a Hemera Fellowship. Applicants must work full-time in their field. Retirees are not eligible. Below are examples of eligible fellows:
- Educators: pre-K through college, including Master of Education (M.Ed.) students.
- School administrators and staff: principals, guidance counselors, advisors, nurses, librarians and school safety officers.
- Health care professionals: physicians, nurses, orderlies, medical technicians, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, chaplains, medical school students and hospice staff.
- Artists: full-time visual, performance, writers, multi-disciplinary artists
- First responders: police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, disaster response teams.
- Military: active duty, reservists and veterans.
- Others:
- public defenders, legal aid attorneys, victim advocates, human rights advocates;
- employees working for any 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or private foundation;
- employees working in direct human services (government or private). Examples include health and human services, child protective services, workforce development.
There are two levels of support for fellows:
- 75% Funding – for individuals who have never attended a residential meditation retreat longer than two nights or who are new to Southern Dharma Retreat Center;
- 50% Funding – for individuals who have previously attended at least one residential meditation retreat or who have previously received a Hemera fellowship;
- Need-based funding may be available to support up to 100% of retreat costs.
Please note that the Hemera Fellowship cannot be combined with Southern Dharma's scholarships and does not include dana for your teacher or the Center. You will be invited to offer donations to the teacher(s) and/or the center at the end of your retreat.
We are encouraging 2022 Hemera Fellowship applicants to apply online before registration opens for the retreat of interest to increase the likelihood that the applicant is able to secure a retreat spot when registration opens.
Click here to apply for a 2022 Hemera Fellowship for one of Southern Dharma's on-site or at home programs!