The Ripple Effect of Giving

While Kripalu’s donor-funded scholarships and grants help to extend our teachings to audiences who might not otherwise have access, these experiences often create meaningful connections and impact for Kripalu that continue long after a first visit.

One example of this is growth in group rental revenue from organizations whose leaders were first introduced to Kripalu through a scholarship-supported program.

“It’s not uncommon for folks who have a profound scholarship experience at Kripalu to want to bring that same experience back to their teams and communities,” said Melissa Helm, Director, Membership and Group Sales. “They want others to feel what they felt, and they are willing to invest in it.”

Organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, the Department of Education, Harvard MEDscience, LitNet, and New York State United Teachers have all hosted paid retreats at Kripalu after leaders first experienced the campus through scholarships. Scholarships often invite individuals from sectors that are underrepresented in retreat settings, such as first responders, frontline workers, and educators—many of whom are experiencing Kripalu for the first time.

“In these sectors, grind and burnout culture are the norm,” Melissa explained. “Rest and self-care are almost unheard of. But once people experience the power of stepping away, it changes their perspective.”

“Receiving a scholarship to attend Kripalu’s Transformative Leadership Retreat was truly life changing for me. The experience was so transformative that I knew I had to bring my entire Harvard HMS MEDscience nonprofit team.”
—Julie Joyal, Founding Director, Harvard Medical School MEDscience Program

Scholarships are a core expression of Kripalu’s mission to expand access—ensuring transformative experiences are available to all, regardless of financial means. They are offered wholeheartedly, with no expectation of return. Since 2023, nearly 30,000 people have participated in Kripalu programs through scholarships. Time and again, recipients are inspired to share their experiences with others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens Kripalu’s community, deepens its mission, and helps sustain its work in the world.

Kripalu is a nonprofit organization, and every gift helps sustain our mission of transformation through yoga, mindfulness, and compassionate living. Through the end of June, an anonymous donor will match every gift dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. That means your support will go twice as far in helping more people experience the benefits of Kripalu. Read the full Spring 2026 Impact Report and donate today.