I have enjoyed the diverse community of participants at EBMC. Their evening meditation / Dhamma talks and daylong retreats draw large crowds, even though most of the Dhamma teachers are not very seasoned and people sometimes complain that the teaching is low quality. It is truly a unique group, with more queer people and people of color than I've ever seen at any other Dhamma event. Because I want the Dhamma to be available to everyone, I was giving cash donations anonymously. I am concerned that EBMC does not have a non-profit legal status or any accountability, legally or to their community. There is no board, no annual report, no regular communication from the leadership and no accounting made publicly available. They claim that, as a religious organization, they are tax-exempt. It is sad that they do not make visible to the public any fiduciary information that legitimizes them! And I have had to stop donating until I can verify that they are using my money for legitimate purposes. I hope they're able to provide fiduciary information in the future! On the surface, it appears that they are benefiting the local community.
Review from Guidestar