Dana Vihara
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Dana Vihara is dedicated to supporting intensive meditation practice and Sangha building led or sanctioned by Beth Upton or her co-teachers. Funded by donations Dana Vihara covers retreat and other sanctioned Sangha event expenses such as lodging food and other related needs allowing all people to participate regardless of their financial means. The funds do not provide personal support to teachers except for travel costs related to retreats. Dana Vihara is unaffiliated with political or social causes and operates in line with Theravada Buddhadhamma values.
- Income
- $72,169
- Spending
- $41,790
- Reserves
- 12.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $19,845 spent. This past year Dana Vihara supported two group retreats at Sitagu Buddha Vihara Austin Texas. The retreats lasted 15 and 30 days respectively and involved a total of 90 participants. Dana Vihara also paid for teacher travel.
- $15,522 spent. Dana Vihara made a grant of $15,522 to Sitagu Buddha Vihara to cover utilities and other costs associated with the group and individual retreats.
- $3,495 spent. Dana Vihara also supported up to 8 individuals at any given time engaged in individual meditation retreat at Sitagu Buddha Vihara.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.