Hinduism Today Production Fund

April-May-June 2011 Newsletter

Strategizing Hinduism Today's future : Paramacharya Palaniswami, editor-in-chief (center), Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami, charitable funds manager of HHE (right) and Yogi Jothinatha confer with publisher and satguru Bodhinatha

Yogi Jothinatha, one of Kauai's Hindu Monastery's 20 monks, swings from exuberance about Hinduism Today's future to dogged determination to make it a bright one.

He is convinced that the Hinduism Today Production Fund endowment is a key to that future. "It is amazing how well the magazine is doing considering we're operating on a shoestring budget," he explains. "But we'd like to move on. The world is hungry to hear more of Hinduism's wise and healing ways, and there's a lot more to be told—and a lot more souls to reach. Our editors are chafing at the bit to be free of rigorous budget constraints and expand in every direction—as soon as possible."

"A stronger Production Fund will allow editors to hire top researchers, designers, writers, professional consultants—in print and digital realms—and to send teams of reporters anywhere in the world at any time to gather great stories. We can do a hundred times better," Yogi insists, adding that hiring translators is another opportunity for dramatic expansion that editors want to tap as soon as the Production Fund allows.

The fund already supports special articles, staff training in digital technology and video production. Yogi fairly glows when he talks about the explosion in outreach brought about by digital technology. "All of our issues are now up on Scribd, for example. And, in just a few months, we have garnered nearly 200,000 views there. Our 100 videos on YouTube tell a similar story. And the best part," he explains, "is that most of those viewers are youth, always our favorite audience. Here again we are counting on the growth of the Production Fund to allow Hinduism Today to seize every one of the future's new, golden opportunities."

He says that a strong fund will also protect the magazine from financial ups and down, so it never faces dire straights as did failed Newsweek, or The New York Times who recently announced plans to eventually abandon their printed edition. "We prefer to model ourselves on the National Geographic Magazine, which has thrived for 113 years and grows more spectacular with each issue, thanks to their endowment. That is what we want for Hinduism Today."

Yogi Jothinatha hopes more people will support the magazine. "Hinduism Today is a team effort," he offers. "There is no limit to what we can do together. Three years ago, we launched a campaign to increase the Production Fund's principal by $100,000, which would give editors an extra $1,000 a quarter with which to work. "It's a modest amount but it would make a big difference. And it'll be a first strong step in the right direction."

The campaign started just as the economy melted down and contributions have come in rather haltingly so far, Yogi pointed out. He encourages those who feel currently strapped to consider including the Production Fund in their estate plans. "Hinduism Today is there for the long haul, and your help in the future will be powerful." Donating $1,000 or more outright or in an estate plan makes one an honored benefactor of Hinduism Today. Anyone wanting to learn more about the Production Fund, or wanting to help is encouraged to contact Yogi at 1-808-634-5407 or at jothi@hindu.org. Donations may be made online at www.hheonline.org/donate-production-fund. And one can become a benefactor at www.hheonline.org/become-benefactor .

October to December 2010 Endowment Contributions

MISSION STATEMENT

Hindu Heritage Endowment is a publicly supported, charitable organization recognized as tax exempt by the IRS on April 22, 1994. Employer ID 99-0308924. Founded by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, its philanthropic mission is to provide secure, professionally managed financial support for institutions and religious leaders of all lineages of Sanatana Dharma.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Halbert/Hargrove, Investment Counsel; Sonoda & Isara, LLP, CPA. HHE is a member of the Council on Foundations, an association of more than 2,000 foundations which interprets relevant law and management and investment principles, and of the National Committee on Planned Giving, the voice and professional resource for the gift planning community.

I want to participate. Where should I Send My Donation?

You may send your gift to an existing fund, create a new Endowment or request information through the address below.

Donations may be made online at www.hheonline.org or use the HHE tear-out card in the HINDUISM TODAY magazine to join our family of benefactors who are Strengthening Hinduism Worldwide. Thank you.