The Joe Tannenbaum Memorial Fund
In December 2025, the BCIMS community was first introduced to the Joe Tannenbaum Memorial Fund. Contributions to this fund are designated to support three essential commitments that reflect the spirit and values of the community.
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Sustaining Access to the Dharma
The fund helps generate steady income that reduces systemic barriers—such as subsidizing retreat costs—so that the Dharma remains truly accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstance.
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Upholding Generosity and Justice
Rooted in Joe Tannenbaum’s commitment to fairness and care, this fund supports a community where resources are used to reduce inequities and remove obstacles to participation in BCIMS programs and retreats
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Ensuring Integrity and Responsiveness
A strong endowment supports long-term stability, allowing BCIMS to plan wisely, respond thoughtfully to changing needs, and continue offering trusted spiritual guidance as circumstances evolve.
About the Fund Structure
The Joe Tannenbaum Memorial Fund is held at the Vancouver Foundation and is designed to support BCIMS in a flexible and sustainable way. Unlike traditional endowments held in perpetuity, this fund includes transferable terms, which allow BCIMS to request a partial or full transfer of capital in the future, provided the funds continue to be used for its designated purpose.
This structure allows the Fund to function both as a long-term source of support and as a flexible resource that can respond to the evolving needs of the organization and its programs.
Purpose in Practice
In February 2026, the idea of offering a donation-only residential retreat was proposed by founding teacher, Adrianne Ross. On March 15, 2026, the Board approved a plan to offer a donation-only retreat in 2027, with the aspiration of making this an ongoing program supported in part by the Fund.
In practice, the Joe Tannenbaum Memorial Fund supports initiatives such as donation-only retreats and other programs that reduce financial barriers to participation, while strengthening the long-term sustainability and accessibility of BCIMS offerings. We are grateful for the enthusiastic support the Fund has received from our generous community of donors.
