Generative Economic Model

About Our Model

“The Dead Sea in the Middle East receives fresh water, but it has no outlet, so it doesn’t pass the water out. It receives beautiful water from the rivers, and the water goes dank. I mean, it just goes bad. And that’s why it is the Dead Sea. It receives and does not give. In the end, generosity is the best way of becoming more, more, and more joyful.” ~Desmond Tutu

The generative economic model at Springhouse is built on Trust, Transparency, and Relationship.

Comprehensive Model Overview
Read more below

Transparency

We understand that in our current culture, money is both exalted and taboo, so bringing transparency to this realm can be incredibly challenging. Springhouse is transparent with our budget and program needs. We invite our community to be transparent about their circumstances. Conversations around money with this frame provide a great opportunity to heal and transform.

Trust

We trust ourselves, each other, the community, and the vital force of Life to sustain and support Springhouse. We trust people to make a determination of the value of this learning community and what they can afford to contribute. We trust our community to come together to meet our collective needs. We trust that, because we align with principles of life, Life in turn will support and sustain our work.

Relationship

We see relationship as foundational to our economic dealings. When we meet heart-to-heart, human-to-human, we can build trust and have more honest and productive conversations about financial resources. We take responsibility for our relationship with the Earth and our place, with our community, and with our own relationship to money.

We share transparently about what Springhouse gives, what Springhouse needs to support its offerings and growing community, as well as the annual budget.

What Springhouse Gives

Springhouse offers vitality-centered programs for teens and adults and opportunities to practice Sourced Design- a model of regenerative culture. At Springhouse no one is turned away for financial reasons. We aim to dismantle the notion you are buying an education. When you contribute, financially and otherwise, you are investing in a life-giving community that supports deeper connection to vitality so that we can all better meet the needs of the world.

Teens: Vitality-Centered Education for Adolescents

Adults: Fortification Programs

  • Fortification Courses including yoga, dance, The Well, Wilderness Vigils, Summer Pilgrimages, and more
  • Art Programs at Springhouse Downtown

Cultural Design Programs: Opportunities to Practice Sourced Design Globally

  • Sourced Design Lab (2-month course)
  • Sourced Design Practice Group (2-month program)
  • 2-Year Certificate Program in Regenerative Cultural Design & Practice

What Springhouse Needs

Springhouse needs four kinds of resources to thrive: people, physical resources, money, and prayer or mindful attention.

People

To thrive, Springhouse needs teens and adults who are learning together through our programs; people giving their time to support the mission of Springhouse; and people participating in our community events.

Physical Resources

To thrive, Springhouse needs a place and physical resources to carry out its mission. This includes our beautiful home on 11-acres of land in the Blue Ridge Mountains and resources to support our learning and sharing of that learning with others.

Money

To thrive, Springhouse needs money. We ask anyone contributing to Springhouse to contribute, not as an individual transaction, but to give in service to the whole of Springhouse.

Mindful Attention

We need mindful attention, or prayer, directed toward the vision and mission of Springhouse as well as toward those building regenerative culture around the world. This resource is unseen and easy to forget, but at Springhouse we know that this resource is needed to sustain our work.

The Springhouse Budget

Every year, our staff and board come together to create the budget for the next fiscal year. This process is participatory and needs-based. Each line in the budget is carefully considered with both the program impact and resources in mind. We strive to create a sustainable budget to support Springhouse and its expanding needs. Click here to view a more detailed budget spreadsheet.

2022-2023 Fiscal Year Total Income & Expenses: $505k