The Garrison Institute is a non-sectarian, non-profit, 501[c]3 organization whose work is made possible through the generous support of individuals and foundations. Since its founding in 2003, the Institute has welcomed over 75,000 participants to hundreds of diverse retreats and professional development programs. In particular, donations fund scholarships that make our retreats and workshops accessible to more people. If you would like to make a contribution towards our scholarship funds, please click here.

How to Apply

With the generous support of our community of funders, we are offering a limited number of scholarships for select virtual and in-person programs.  If you have any questions about our scholarship program, please contact scholarships@garrisoninstitute.org.

Garrison Institute General Scholarships

Through donations, we are able to offer general funding assistance to our community. These scholarships serve to subsidize the cost of our program registration fees. Please click here to begin your application.

Garrison Institute Many Voices Scholarships

Additional scholarship opportunities are available through our Many Voices Fund, which provides scholarships for our in-person and virtual retreats to individuals from underserved communities, with the majority of available funds designated for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Please click here to begin your application.

Hemera Fellowships

Through the generous donation of the Hemera Foundation, we are able to offer registration fee assistance. The Contemplative Fellowship Program was created to make the unique experience of a sitting contemplative practice in a retreat context available to all who have made a professional commitment to service – a deep desire to devote oneself to serving others through their work.

Eligible fellows may attend one meditation retreat per calendar year at one of our partner retreat centers. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and working full-time in their profession. All applicants must apply for their own fellowship. No one may apply on behalf of someone else.

Up to 75% support for retreat registration fees is available to applicants who have never attended a residential meditation retreat longer than two nights or who are new to a particular retreat center.

Up to 50% support for retreat registration fees is available to applicants who had previously attended a meditation retreat longer than two nights, including those who have previous received a Contemplative Practice Fellowship.

Need-based funding may be available to support up to 100% of retreat costs, as determined by the specific retreat center. All fellows are responsible for the costs of travel to and from the retreat center.

Potential eligible fellows may include:

  • Educators, school administrators, and staff
  • Health care professionals
  • Artists
  • Emergency response professionals
  • Employees working for a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or private foundation
  • Employees of government/non-governmental organizations working in community
  • Members of active or retired military; reservists

To apply, please complete and submit this form.