Donor Board Recognition & Spiritual Placement Guidelines

🙏 Honoring Devotee Generosity with Gratitude, Fairness, and Reverence

The Hindu Temple of Rochester (HTOR) is deeply grateful for the generosity of its devotees. This document explains how donors are recognized and why donor boards are thoughtfully placed, in a way that respects both our donors and the sanctity of our sacred spaces.

1. Purpose

HTOR recognizes eligible donors as an expression of gratitude while preserving the spiritual integrity of the Temple. Donor recognition is governed by the HTOR Constitution and overseen by the Board of Trustees.

The Temple is currently in the process of transitioning all existing donor boards to a Digital Donor Wall, which will modernize, consolidate, and preserve donor acknowledgments in a consistent and respectful manner.

2. Eligibility for Donor Recognition

• Donors who make monetary contributions to HTOR may be eligible for recognition.
• Contributions must meet or exceed minimum thresholds established by the Board of Trustees.
• Donations may qualify as:
• A one-time contribution, or
• Cumulative contributions over a designated period (e.g., lifetime giving), as defined by the Temple.

3. Donor Board Structure & Display

• Donor recognition is organized by contribution levels, ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Contribution levels are reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees.
• Donor names are displayed in a uniform format (same font and size).
• Names within each level are listed in alphabetical order.
• Donors may choose to remain anonymous.

Recognition is a gesture of appreciation and does not confer special privileges or influence.

4. Placement of Donor Boards (Very Important)

• Donor boards—physical or digital—are not placed in the Temple prayer hall, sanctum (garbhagriha), or other primary worship areas.
• Donor recognition is displayed only in appropriate common areas, such as lobbies, hallways, or designated display spaces.

5. Why Donor Boards Are Excluded from Worship Areas

At HTOR, prayer halls and sanctum areas are sacred spaces dedicated solely to darshan, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

In keeping with long-standing Hindu temple tradition:

• Worship spaces are kept free of non-ritual displays
• The focus remains on the deities and spiritual practice
• All devotees experience the space with a sense of equality, humility, and reverence

Donor recognition is important and deeply appreciated, and by placing it outside worship areas, the Temple ensures that:

• The sanctity of sacred spaces is preserved
• Gratitude is expressed without distraction from worship
• The Temple remains a place of unity and devotion for all

6. Transition to the Digital Donor Wall

• Existing physical donor boards are being migrated to a Digital Donor Wall.
• The Temple may reformat or reorganize displays as needed for clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Reasonable efforts will be made to preserve historical donor recognition during this transition.

7. Ethical and Operational Considerations

• All donations must align with HTOR’s mission, values, and spiritual principles.
• The Temple reserves the right to decline donations or remove recognition if required to protect its spiritual, ethical, or reputational integrity.

8. Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. Any updates will be communicated transparently to the community.

🙏 With heartfelt gratitude for your devotion and support

Hindu Temple of Rochester (HTOR)