Scholarship Policy

We welcome all to our retreats and classes, and are pleased to offer scholarships to those who have difficulty paying registration fees.

Our ability to fund scholarships is limited, but we do our utmost to provide this assistance.

Policies for granting scholarships

  • Scholarship applicants must pay at least 20% of the Actual Cost registration fee.
  • Those unable to pay the agreed-upon fee by registration closing may request a Deferred Payment Plan (described below).
  • Eligiblity is limited to one scholarship per year.


How we determine scholarship amounts is based on these criteria:

  • The applicant’s financial need
  • Those who have never received a scholarship are prioritized.
  • People of color, youth, and those with serious or chronic illnesses receive special consideration.
  • Those who have practiced meditation and the Dharma over time receive special consideration.


The Scholarship Process

When a student submits a scholarship request:

  1. The scholarship committee reviews requests in the order received.
  2. The committee notifies applicants of its decision, including the amount granted if the scholarship is approved, within one week of receiving requests.
  3. Scholarships are awarded on a funds available basis.


The Deferred Payment Process For Those Requesting a Scholarship

Those unable to pay the agreed-upon fee (at least 20% of the Actual Cost fee) by the registration closing can also request a deferred payment plan. This lets registrants pay the fee in up to 3 installments over several months.

After submitting the scholarship request, a page confirming submission is displayed. To request deferred payment click on the Request Deferred Payment button, found at the bottom of this confirmation page. 

Other Payment Options

In addition to scholarships, we offer two options for those who can pay but face temporary financial stress:

  • We set a sliding scale for each event’s fee, and registrants can choose to pay the reduced Minimum fee.
  • The deferred payment program is available even when not requesting a scholarship. You’ll find the button to request this at the bottom of the page.


To further discuss these options or your special circumstances, please email the Scholarship Committee contact.

Your Generosity

Finally, Mid-America Dharma’s ability to offer scholarships largely depends on the generosity of those willing and able to offer us support.

We are grateful for your dana. 

If you choose to request financial assistance, please click on the button that best fits your needs:

Upcoming  Activities

2025

2025 Awakening Joy Course: 10 Steps to a Happier Life
Affiliate Event
Online with James Baraz
Meeting Times: see the course description
Registration is open

Connecting Heart and Mind
an Online Retreat
with James Baraz
January 17-19
Registration is open, closes January, 13, 2025

Cultivating a Wise Heart
A Residential Retreat
with Annie Nugent
March 6 -11
Mercy Center, St Louis
Registration Opens: December 15, 2024

Intimacy With All Things
A Residential Retreat
with David Chernikoff
July 30 - August 3, 2025
Creighton University Retreat Center, Griswold, IA
Registration Opens: April 13, 2025

Mindfulness in Everyday Life
An Online Householder Retreat 
with Robert Brumet
and Joe McCormack
September 7, 9, 11 & 13, 2025
Registration opens June 7, 2025

The Happiness of a Well-trained Mind
A Residential Retreat
with Bridget Rolens
October 30 - November 2
Mercy Center St Louis
Registration Opens: July 15, 2025

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