Financial Aid Options

Dorje Denma Ling endeavours to assist anyone who needs financial support in order to attend a program.

Before applying for a scholarship, please make use of the financial assistance options listed below. We can work together: by combining more than one of these options below, costs could be much more manageable for you.

1. Payment Plans – (Interest Free)

  • Payments can be made by an automatic charge to your credit card, or post-dated cheques.
  • Payments can begin before the program. 
  • Payment plans are for 6, 9 or 12 months (maximum).

2. Volunteer Program Credit

  • Consider helping us out, donating your time, in exchange for program credit. We offer $35 per 6-hour work day in Program Credit. 
  • For volunteers staying a week or more with us, we also offer free room and board plus Program Credit. To come as a volunteer for a week or more, please fill out this form.
  • Volunteer time must be offered and earned before attending a retreat, so plan ahead.

3. Matching Scholarships

  • We match scholarships provided by local Shambhala Centers to their members up to a maximum of $200. If you receive a scholarship from your local Center, have someone from the Center contact our Finance Director in advance of the program to let us know.
  • Contact the Finance Director via email at [email protected], or phone (902) 657-9085, ext. 15.

3. Staff a Program

  • For large retreats, discounts are available in varying amounts to those taking on program staffing roles. Availability of opportunities is announced, and those interested are invited to complete an application form. Positions are assigned based on availability, skills and interests. 
  • For smaller retreats we need Coordinators, and sometimes Meditation Instructors. All expenses are covered for these roles. However Meditation Instructors must have specific training and authorizations; Coordinators are expected to have experience managing a similar type of program.
  • To view and apply for currently available program staff positions, please visit this page of our website.

4. Monastic Discounts

  • In support of our monastic tradition, Dorje Denma Ling is pleased to offer Shambhala Monastics an 80% discount on their program tuition. Meals and accommodations are not covered.

5. Dorje Denma Ling Scholarships

  • Dorje Denma Ling has a limited pool of funds earmarked for individuals experiencing exceptional financial needs. We are working to expand those funds available specifically for people of colour and young people.
  • Please submit this Dorje Denma Ling Scholarship Application Form to determine your eligibility. Your personal information will be held in the strictest confidence.