Grant and Funding Programs Offered by BESS Family Foundation (BESS)

The BESS Family Foundation is a private family foundation that occupies a unique niche in the philanthropic landscape by connecting mindfulness and meditation practices with environmental action. Founded in 2008 and based in Massachusetts, the foundation provides grants exclusively to organizations working at the intersection of contemplative practices and ecological awareness.

The foundation supports organizations and projects that address the ecological crisis through mindfulness-based approaches. Primary funding areas include: mindfulness and meditation courses focused on eco-dharma, climate grief, and nature connection; infrastructure updates for retreat centers to become more climate responsive and resilient; earth awareness retreats for practitioners; programs bringing contemplative practice into environmental activism and community-based climate education; and initiatives supporting Tribal Nations mindfulness programs.

As a family foundation, BESS operates with a personal and values-driven approach to philanthropy. The foundation maintains an eco-advisory group of experienced practitioners who help guide their funding strategy. They have supported over 50 organizations including major retreat centers, meditation communities, environmental organizations, and educational institutions.

The foundation maintains a public website with detailed information about their funding priorities, past recipients, and ongoing projects. They provide clear contact information for funding inquiries and publish resources related to their mission.

The foundation sponsors the Earth Awareness Community Retreats (2025-2027) at four retreat centers, the Tribal Nations and Buddhism Conversations project, Earth Awareness Teacher Training in collaboration with Sky Mind Retreats, and the MBSR and Eco-Awareness Project supporting MBSR teachers to integrate earth awareness into their practice.