About

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation was established in 1966 in Hualien by Venerable Dharma Master Cheng Yen. From the first 30 supporters, housewives who saved two cents from their grocery money each day to help the poor, the foundation has grown to nearly 10 million volunteers and supporters in 50 countries, and has provided international relief work in 70 countries to people suffering from disasters such as the Southeast Asia tsunami, Myanmar cyclone, and earthquakes in Turkey, Pakistan, Sichuan China, Haiti and Chile.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen believes that the lack of altruistic love for others has been the root of many problems in this world, but with sustained kindness, mercy and giving, harmony and peace can be achieved. Thus, the foundation’s guiding principle is to “help the poor and educate the rich” – to give material aid to the needy and inspire love and humanity in both givers and receivers.

In 1984, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation was established in California as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Since then, more than 80 offices and facilities have been established in the U.S. with over 120,000 volunteers and supporters working to make a difference in their local communities.

Tzu Chi’s missions focus on giving material aid to the needy and inspiring love and humanity to both givers and receivers. In addition to charity, the foundation dedicates itself in the fields of medicine, education, environmental protection, international relief and the establishment of one of the world’s largest bone marrow donor registry. Tzu Chi also promotes humanistic values and community volunteerism.