Ven. Roger Kunsang receiving a certificate of thanks from Khen Rinpoche Geshe Ngawang Sangye, on behalf of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the FPMT organization for the offerings made towards the Gyudmed Monastery Food Fund. (close up of certificate can be seen below).

Supporting monks and nuns is one of the highest priorities for the FPMT organization, because the preservation of the Buddhadharma is dependent on the existence of Sangha. The Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund (SOSF) was created to uphold this commitment by offering practical and compassionate assistance to ordained individuals and communities around the world.

The scope of the SOSF is broad and inclusive – it provides support for food, accommodation, health care, education, and practice to monasteries, nunneries, and individual Sangha members across many traditions and regions. The fund is not limited to any one institution, allowing it to respond flexibly and generously to the needs of the global Sangha.

In 2025, we were honored to have offered a total of US$932,361 in grants, helping ensure that monks and nuns can live, study, and practice with dignity and stability. Two of these grants fulfilled long-standing commitments made by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, allowing us to bring two of Rinpoche’s heartfelt wishes to completion in 2025. Please join us in rejoicing in these offerings to the Sangha and we invite you to take a closer look at the various ways we have been able to offer this collective support.

Gyudmed Food Fund | Ribur Rinpoche Tenzin Pasang | Tashi Chime Gatsal Gumba | Jamyang Buddhist Centre | International Mahayana Institute | Nalanda Monastery | Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery | Zigar Thupten Shedrupling Institute | Shalu Monastery | Osel Labrang at Sera Jey | Idgaa Choizinling Monastery | Geshe Support | Thank you!

Founded in 1433 by Jetsun Sherab Sengye, a direct disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa, Gyudmed Tantric University is one of the most important centers for Tantric studies in the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Tsongkhapa personally appointed Jetsun Sherab Sengye as His spiritual successor in Tantra, entrusting him with the preservation and transmission of the Tantric lineage.

Inspired by ancient Indian universities like Nalanda, Gyudmed was established to complement the Sutra-focused institutions of Sera, Drepung, and Ganden Monasteries. It became a hub for Tantra philosophy, mandala construction, ritual arts, and intact lineage transmission, including teachings on Guhyasamaja and other deities.

Gyudmed monks engaged in puja.

Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, 150 monks from Gyudmed fled to India and temporarily settled in Dalhousie. In 1972, with support from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Government of Karnataka, the monastery was permanently relocated to Gurupura, South India. Today, it houses over 600 monks and continues to uphold its rich Tantric traditions.

Gyudmed offers a 15-year curriculum combining Sutra and Tantra studies. Monks engage in daily memorization, chanting, and evening debates. Upon completion, monks earn the Geshe Ngarampa degree, recognized by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Each year, Geshes from major monasteries undertake a one-year Tantra course at Gyudmed, culminating in examinations witnessed by abbots of the six great monasteries.

Certificate of thanks offered to Ven. Roger Kunsang from Gyudmed Monastery.

Unfortunately, Gyudmed Monastery has no stable source of income, particularly to meet the daily food needs of its monks. Recognizing this urgent need, the monastery requested Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the FPMT to establish a long-term solution. Rinpoche immediately accepted, and the Gyudmed Food Fund was created in 2021 to provide reliable, lasting support.

In 2025, we were able to fulfill Rinpoche’s commitment and four installments totaling US$681,942 were offered toward the Gyudmed Food Fund. Most of this money raised in 2025 was from specific private donations, thus we were able to also preserve the existing funds in SOSF. With this contribution, we have now completed the US$2.1 million endowment, which will ensure that all Gyudmed Tantric University’s food expenses are covered sustainably from the interest. Please rejoice in this incredible offering and achievement, in fulfilling one of Rinpoche’s heart requests and in the long term sustainability that we as an organization are offering to the Sangha of Gyudmed. In November 2025, Ven. Roger Kunsang went to Gyudmed to make the final offering in person, on behalf of FPMT and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

On behalf of the current Ribur Rinpoche Tenzin Pasang, a request was made for financial support to complete renovations at his Labrang (residence) at Sera Mey Monastery, India. The residence was originally built by the previous Ribur Rinpoche, a highly realized master and guru of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to serve as a place for study and practice for his future incarnation.

Ribur Rinpoche Tenzin Pasang with the current Abbot of Sera Mey Monastery Khen Rinpoche Neten Rinpoche.

In 2025, the SOSF offered a grant toward this project, honoring the lineage and ensuring the continuity of Dharma activities.

Nestled in the serene hills of Bigu, Northeastern Nepal, Tashi Chime Gatsal Gumba is a small Drikung Kagyu nunnery with a profound spiritual connection to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who once described it as “being in the lap of Mother Tara.” Rinpoche personally initiated a beautiful arrangement over 14 years ago: for the nunnery to offer 100 million mani retreats once or twice a year, dedicating the merit to benefit the entire FPMT organization.

To date, the nuns have completed an astonishing 26 retreats, totaling 2.6 billion recitations of OM MANI PADME HUM – a testament to their unwavering dedication and compassion.

Tashi Chime Gatsal Gumba nuns.

In 2025, the SOSF contributed US$31,166.23 to support the nunnery’s ongoing activities. This funding has been vital in sustaining both spiritual and educational efforts, including:

• 150 million mani retreats, with offerings to the Sangha upon completion.
• Medical care for the nuns, ensuring their well-being during intensive practice periods.
• Salaries for six teachers, allowing younger nuns to receive a secular education within the nunnery itself – eliminating the need for long, difficult walks to distant schools.

The nunnery’s expense report and receipt documents reflect careful stewardship of the funds, covering essentials such as fresh milk, firewood, gas, transportation, and medical costs. The nuns have expressed heartfelt gratitude to all benefactors and continue to dedicate their prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and the flourishing of the Buddhadharma.

For nearly 50 years, Jamyang Buddhist Centre in London has been a place of Tibetan Buddhist practice, education, and community life. Housed in the historic Old Lambeth Magistrates’ Court, the Centre has transformed a once-defensive civic building into a vibrant spiritual home rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and sustainability. 

Rendering of a monastic bedroom at Jamyang Centre.

In 2025, the SOSF offered a grant of US$30,750 to support the Sanctuary Project, a visionary initiative to modernize and preserve this Grade II-listed building while expanding its role as a hub for learning, wellbeing, and social outreach. The project will provide expanded accommodation for monastics, teachers, and volunteers, alongside new accessible facilities including a lift, ramps, and inclusive design features. Environmental upgrades such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, and sustainable building materials will ensure that the Centre embodies ecological responsibility, while careful restoration will preserve its heritage character.

The Sanctuary Project also envisions revitalized gardens, with the north side becoming a contemplative space and the south courtyard opening as a community area with edible plants, prayer wheels, and water features. Inside, new teaching and gathering spaces will be created, including a renovated basement and improved access to the Temple, ensuring the Centre can welcome more people in meaningful ways.

Guided by the Buddhist principles of interdependence, non-harm, and care for all beings, Jamyang is shaping a true living sanctuary, a place where people from all walks of life can find peace, purpose, and connection.

In 2025, the SOSF granted US$1,038 to the International Mahayana Institute (IMI) to support its new Video Sharing Experience Project.

This initiative will produce a series of short, professionally edited videos, each lasting 5–10 minutes, featuring IMI monks and nuns as they share their personal experiences, challenges, and insights as ordained practitioners. The content will address questions collected from FPMT centers and aims to:

• Bridge the gap between laypeople and the Sangha.
• Provide guidance and inspiration for FPMT center staff, students, and those considering ordination.
• Make teachings accessible in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, and Italian).

Currently in its early stages, the project already has at least seven ordained participants and several topics planned. Its goal is to create a meaningful resource that nurtures understanding, connection, and spiritual growth throughout the global FPMT community.

In 2025, the SOSF contributed US$5,000 to Nalanda Monastery, a long-established FPMT-affiliated monastic community in France.

The first Gelug Monlam Festival in Europe, February 23-25, 2024, at Nalanda Monastery.

The grant supported two essential initiatives:

1. Cavimac Insurance Support – US$3,500

Nalanda Monastery sought assistance to cover Cavimac, France’s private social and health insurance program for religious communities. The monastery pays about €3,300 each month to insure six monks who are not covered by their home countries. With an aging community and limited regular income, this support ensures the monks have access to healthcare and can legally reside at Nalanda. While donors often prefer to fund visible projects, such as building works or statues, the monastery emphasized that health insurance is a vital yet often overlooked need.

2. Poor Monks Fund – US$1,500

The Poor Monks Fund provides emergency financial assistance to monks without personal income or savings. It helps cover travel expenses for visiting family or attending teachings, as well as medical costs not covered by insurance or IMI. By allowing the monastery to respond quickly to urgent needs without relying on direct donations to individuals, the fund offers both dignity and security. Nalanda expressed the hope that this fund will grow, as many monks hesitate to draw on it when resources are scarce.

Perched nearly 4,000 meters above sea level in the Solu Khumbu region, Nepal, Thame Dechen Chokhorling Monastery continues to be a spiritual sanctuary for the Himalayan community. As the birthplace of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and near the retreat cave of his previous incarnation, Lawudo Lama Kunsang Yeshe, Thame holds a special place in the heart of the FPMT family.

In 2023, the monks of Thame offered special daily prayers during the 49 days after Lama Zopa Rinpoche has shown the aspect of passing in front of Rinpoche’s kundung (holy body) in Kopan Monastery. In 2024, they participated in the consecration of the Victory Stupa in Lawudo, built for Rinpoche’s swift return. Their continued prayers and practice reflect a deep spiritual bond and commitment to Rinpoche’s vision.

Thame monks performing a puja.

In 2025, the SOSF contributed US$9,106.28 to support the daily food needs of the 22 resident monks at Thame Monastery. This ongoing sponsorship, which began in 2017, ensures that the Sangha receives three nourishing meals a day, along with support for food transport and cook salaries.

In a heartfelt letter dated April 29, 2025, the monastery expressed profound gratitude for the support and shared their joy at the recent announcement by the FPMT and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, confirming that the reincarnation of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche has been born in Nepal and is yet to be discovered. The monks continue to offer daily prayers with deep devotion and hope.

Zigar Thupten Shedrupling Institute, nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, is dedicated to preserving the Drukpa Kargyud lineage. The monastery traces its origins to the first Zigar Rinpoche, Sonam Gyatsho (1608–1669), regarded as a manifestation of Guru Padmasambhava. Successive Zigar Rinpoches are recognized as incarnations of King Trisong Detsen, an emanation of Manjushri, the Wisdom Buddha.

Zigar monks.

This is also the monastery of one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s own gurus – Khenpo Thinley Dorje, who attended the second anniversary since Rinpoche has shown the aspect of passing at Kopan Monastery. Although he does not reside at Zigar Monastery permanently, he helps guide the monastery, and Lama Zopa Rinpoche wished to support him in this way.

Since 2019, the SOSF has been honored to provide ongoing support for the monastery’s food expenses, ensuring that the monks are properly nourished and able to continue their studies and practice.

In 2025, SOSF contributed US$122,033, completing Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s compassionate pledge of US$200,000 specifically for food at the monastery. With these final installments, the pledge has now been fully realized, offering vital nourishment to the monastic community and sustaining the flourishing of this monastery.

In the peaceful foothills of Himachal Pradesh, India, Shalu Monastery continues its mission of reviving the Bhulug lineage tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded by the great Sakya master Buton Rinchen Drub, this lineage is cherished for its depth of scholarship and spiritual clarity. With the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Shalu Monastery has become a vibrant center of study, prayer, and community.

Shalu monks are enjoying their lunch.

In 2025, the SOSF contributed US$12,093 to support annual food needs of the monks of Shalu Monastery. This support has been a lifeline since 2018, helping the Shalu Sangha overcome previous hardships and ensuring they receive nourishing meals while continuing their studies and practice.

In a series of letters, the monastery expressed deep gratitude for this ongoing support. The monks shared that they are in good health, studying diligently, and joyfully engaging in their summer retreat. They emphasized how the food funding has made a tangible difference in their daily lives and spiritual practice.

ama Zopa Rinpoche in the garden at Osel Labrang, Sera Jey Monastery, India, December 2015.
Photo: Ven. Roger Kunsang.

The monks continue to offer daily prayers and pujas for the swift return of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. With unwavering devotion, the monks regularly recite prayers such as Jampal Tsenjö, Dolchok, and Trinchoel at the monastery, dedicating them to all sentient beings and to peace on earth.

Osel Labrang at Sera Jey Monastery in South India maintains a close connection with FPMT. In 2025, the SOSF offered US$26,630 to cover Osel Labrang’s annual budget for 2025 and 2026. This ongoing support helps ensure the smooth functioning of the Labrang and its activities, sustaining the important link it shares with the FPMT community.

Founded in 2003 through the vision of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the support of many benefactors, Idgaa Choizinling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has become a vital center for Buddhist learning and practice. Closely connected to Sera Je Monastery in India, Idgaa serves as a monastic college for young Mongolian monks, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Since 2015, the SOSF has provided annual support for the Young Monks Feeding Program, ensuring that the monks receive nutritious meals in a clean and supportive environment.

Idgaa monks are supporting the food preparation.

In 2025, US$10,800 was allocated to feed 32 Mongolian monks throughout the year. The funding has been used to:

• Provide daily lunch and dinner for monks during the winter months.
• Cover travel food expenses for young monks practicing in the countryside.
• Maintain a full-time cook, who ensures healthy meals are prepared.
• Purchase cleaning supplies to maintain hygiene and promote well-being.

The monastery also hosts FPMT Mongolia’s annual Mani Retreat since 2013.

The Idgaa Choizinling Monastery has expressed deep gratitude for the continued support. This program not only nourishes the monks physically but also strengthens their ability to study, practice, and preserve the Dharma for future generations in Mongolia.

Other smaller grants were offered in 2025 such to assist an FPMT geshe who experienced a medical emergency while traveling. As well as offerings on behalf of the organization to the geshes who helped during the first Most Secret Hayagriva retreat that was held at Nalanda Monastery.

Thank you! 

The grants offered in 2025 reflect the heart of FPMT’s mission: to preserve and spread the teachings of the Buddha by supporting those who dedicate their lives to the Dharma. From food and health care to education and infrastructure, the SOSF has helped sustain Sangha communities in Nepal, India, Mongolia, France, the UK, and beyond.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all donors and supporters who make this work possible. Your generosity ensures that ordained Sangha, who are the living transmission of the Buddhadharma, continue to thrive for generations to come!

All are welcome to contribute to the Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund, to help ensure grants like these continue for the benefit of monks and nuns around the world.