How Gaia Forest is Structured

What Gaia Forest Is

Gaia Forest Project is a meditation retreat, forest restoration and Buddhist intentional community on private land in the Dorrigo Plateau region of northern New South Wales. Gaia Forest Sangha Inc is a not-for-profit Buddhist community organisation that operates retreats and offers community activities, often on that same piece of land, but also elsewhere in the region.

How the Land is Held

The land is owned by Gaia Forest Pty Ltd (ACN 649 347 106), which operates as trustee of the Gaia Forest Unit Trust. This structure was chosen to provide legal clarity around land ownership. The land and improvements are Trust assets beneficially held for Unit holders. The land is subject to a perpetual conservation covenant, which means it will remain protected for conservation and appropriate use regardless of future ownership changes.

The Spiritual Community Side

Gaia Forest Sangha Inc is a separate incorporated not-for-profit Buddhist Community association that organises retreats, meditation programs, and community activities on and off at the site. While Sangha Inc and Gaia Forest Pty Ltd work closely together, they are distinct legal entities with different roles.

About Financial Contributions

Gaia Forest Sangha Inc. is a not for profit, but not a registered charity with the ACNC, and therefore donations are not tax deductible in Australia or elsewhere.

Gaia Forest Pty Ltd is a private company and also not a registered charity. Gifts made to this project used to support the repayment of loans received for the land acquisition, refinancing, and ongoing development and operations of the project. Contributors do not receive any direct personal benefit in the form of dividends etc. from making a contribution.

We believe it’s important to be clear about this. Some people prefer to support projects where donations carry tax benefits. Others prefer to know exactly where their money goes without the formality of charitable registration. We respect both perspectives and wanted to be transparent about how we are structured.

Larger Contributions and Deeper Involvement

For contributions above a certain amount, investment opportunities within the Gaia Forest Unit Trust, or participation arrangements like kuti sponsorships, we work through direct personal contact rather than public solicitation. These conversations are tailored to individual circumstances. If you’re interested in exploring deeper involvement, please reach out.

Ven. Tenzin’s Teaching Work

Offerings made in support of the teaching, Dharma instruction and facilitation offered by Ven. Ngawang Tenzin (Dr. Alex Anderson) is a separate stream from gifts made to Gaia Forest project itself. While his presence and guidance are central to the community, his work as a teacher and practitioner is distinct from the organisational structure of the land project.

Our Current Situation

We need your help to realise this vision of Gaia Forest. The land purchase was made possible through a combination of personal investment, loans, and gifts. We are now seeking additional support to secure the long-term financial stability of the project. Every contribution helps us move toward a future where the land can fully serve its purpose of Dharma retreat, forest restoration, and community practice without ongoing financial pressure.

Staying Connected

If you contribute or express interest in the project, THANKYOU! We keep all our amazing supporters informed about progress and activities at the site. This might include updates on forest restoration, upcoming retreats, or community events, shared via our newsletter and periodic communications.

Questions?

We’re happy to discuss the project structure, how gifts are used, or anything else about Gaia Forest. Please reach out directly here: Contact us.