Give to the Max Day: Belonging Happens Here

Belonging Happens Here: The Heart of Clouds in Water

Clouds in Water's Give to the Max day Fall Appeal Goal is $25,000.

Excitingly, a generous donor has offered to match every donation made on November 19 dollar for dollar up to $5,000!

Belonging changes us. 

At Clouds in Water Zen Center, belonging begins when we walk through the door and discover that we don't have to walk the path alone.
We find a community where we can sit together in silence, share in the joys and challenges of being human, and practice meeting ourselves and one another with compassion.

Here, friendships grow. Connections deepen. 
We find purpose in our practice and discover ways to bring greater kindness, awareness, and care into the world. Together, we nurture a community rooted in compassion, committed to social justice, and grounded in the belief that each person matters.

You don't have to be Buddhist to belong at Clouds. 
You don't have to arrive with all the answers, have years of meditation experience, or be able to make a financial contribution. You simply have to come as you are.

For some, Clouds is a place of refuge in a difficult season. For others, it is where lifelong friendships take root, spiritual practice deepens, or a sense of purpose comes into focus. 

This is the heart of belonging. And it is something we create together.

Our community is sustained by the generosity of its members. 
Every financial gift helps keep our doors open, our programs accessible, and our shared space welcoming. Donations support the building, the resources that make our practice possible, and the technology that allows us to connect with sangha members near and far. Just as importantly, we honor the many ways people contribute through their time, presence, participation, and service.

When we give to Clouds, we are doing more than paying the bills. 
We are investing in the community that holds us, the relationships that sustain us, and the opportunities for others to find the same sense of connection and belonging.

That is why our 2026 Fall Appeal matters.

On Thursday, November 19, Clouds in Water will participate in Give to the Max Day, Minnesota's annual day of giving. You can also make your gift early. 

Clouds in Water's Give to the Max day Fall Appeal Goal is $25,000.

Excitingly, a generous donor has offered to match every donation made on November 19 dollar for dollar up to $5,000!

Whether you give $10, $100, or another amount that is meaningful to you, your generosity helps make belonging possible. If a financial gift isn't possible right now, your presence, participation, and service are also valued parts of our community.

Belonging isn't something we build alone. It is something we practice, nurture, and sustain together.

Thank you for being part of Clouds in Water—for the care you bring, the connections you cultivate, and the generosity that allows this community to flourish. Together, we make Clouds a place where people can find connection, discover purpose, and know they belong.

About Clouds in Water
Clouds in Water is a vibrant community in the Sōtō Zen tradition, with a vision to awaken the heart of great wisdom and compassion, end systemic oppression, and cultivate joy.

 Our offerings include meditation, classes, talks, one-to-one meetings with teachers, affinity groups, Zen training, and retreats as a practice of Sōtō Zen Buddhism and social justice. We welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. We are located in the Historic Rondo Neighborhood on unceded Dakota and Anishinaabe land in St. Paul, MN, and everywhere on Zoom.

Why Support Our Work?
While the Twin Cities has several Zen Buddhist communities, Clouds in Water Zen Center is unique in advancing a broad social justice and racial justice agenda informed and supported by Zen practice and teachings.

Clouds is passionate about creating and maintaining a thriving sangha that is committed to diversity and equity. From our services and classes throughout the week to our Queer Dharma Group, BIPOC Sangha, Racial Awareness Groups, Friday Night Zen, 12-Step Mindfulness Group, Youth & Family Program, and more. 

You can learn more about our work on our website.  

May you be happy, healthy, safe, and at ease!