Dharma Education and Programs

The Education Services Department manages the development and implementation of FPMT education program curriculum and study/practice materials.

• Creates new program curriculum as needed by centers in conjunction with senior teachers.
• Supports existing curriculum with guidelines, translations, study materials, exams, readings, and completion certificates.
• Creates certification criteria for all FPMT education programs.
• Manages the translation of various texts recommended by the Founding Lamas.
• Coordinates the FPMT Translation and Editorial team in English, and translation coordinators in other languages.
• Creates practice texts which complement programs, support student needs, and disseminate the Founding Lamas’ advice.
• Manages the production of prayer and practice materials for distribution via the Foundation Store.
• Develops and maintains a library of all standard FPMT prayers and practice materials.
• Tracks the status of education initiatives that have arisen from FPMT meetings and conferences.

Center and Teacher Services 

The Center and Teacher Services Department, supported by regional and national coordinators, helps FPMT centers, projects, services, and study groups establish and maintain strong, resilient governance structures to support their provision and preservation of the Mahayana tradition now and into the future.

Specifically, the Center and Teacher Services Department:

• Develops and updates FPMT policies and guidelines for affiliates, communicates changes to the affiliate network, and keeps the Affiliates Area current.
• Appoints and supports FPMT regional and national coordinators.
• Assists study groups in transitioning from probationary status to full affiliation with FPMT Inc.
• Supports affiliate boards in the appointment of affiliate directors, and facilitates guidance from the FPMT Inc. Board of Directors in this process.
• Co-appoints affiliate spiritual program coordinators in partnership with affiliate directors.
• Facilitates the appointment of resident teachers at affiliate centers.
• Provides FPMT orientation and resources to affiliate staff members.
• Maintains communication between centers, projects, services, the FPMT Inc. Board, regional and national coordinators, and the International Office team.
• Keeps centers, projects, and services informed of new guidance from the FPMT Inc. Board.
• Archives advice from the Founding Lamas to affiliates.
• Coordinates the organization of CPMT meetings.
• Organizes and supports FPMT Service Seminars for FPMT staff and students.
• Facilitates the registration of new FPMT teachers and provides ongoing support to registered teachers.

Communications and Media

The multimedia content published daily on FPMT.org carries forward the legacy of Mandala — FPMT’s official publication from 1987 to 2021. Through articles, podcasts, and video teachings, we keep our global community informed, inspired, and connected.

• Teachings & Guidance – Ongoing excerpts of teachings and advice from our founding lamas, Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, along with the latest news regarding the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
• Board of Directors Updates – News from FPMT Inc.’s Board of Directors on their work fostering greater inclusivity and collaboration across our global mandala, including council meetings, key accomplishments, vision, and plans.
• Charitable Work – Highlights of recent grants, funded project progress, and activities including offerings to ordained Sangha, social services, holy object sponsorship, education initiatives, animal liberation, and more.
• Community Stories – Inspiring stories from FPMT centers, projects, and services worldwide, as well as from individuals across the FPMT family.
• Study & Practice – Updates on newly published materials, upcoming retreats, and opportunities to engage with FPMT Education study programs.
• In-Depth Features – Longer pieces on pilgrimage, student milestones, teacher profiles, and explorations of Buddhist practice.
• Obituaries – Remembrances of members of the FPMT community.
• Annual Review – A yearly overview of FPMT International Office’s key activities and milestones.
• Multimedia – Podcasts, video teachings, and transcripts from teachings and retreats of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, available on our Rinpoche Available Now page.

Browse our latest posts on the FPMT News page and sign up for our monthly e-news to stay connected. 

Charitable Projects and Initiatives

FPMT’s Charitable Projects encompass a wide range of initiatives dedicated to preserving the Dharma and alleviating suffering in the world. These include offering food to ordained Sangha; providing scholarships for the study of Buddhist philosophy; making offerings to the main teachers of the Lama Tsongkhapa tradition and sponsoring annual debates; granting funds for social services such as care homes, schools, hospitals, and monastic institutions; delivering comprehensive Dharma programs; translating sacred texts; sponsoring holy objects including statues, stupas, and prayer wheels; and saving the lives of animals.

These projects are an integral part of FPMT’s Vast Visions and central to FPMT’s mission of building a more compassionate world, from the inside out.

• Oversees the coordination, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of FPMT Charitable Projects, working closely with on-the-ground project managers.
• Leads fundraising and grant-seeking efforts in collaboration with the Development Department, and manages the review and disbursement of grants in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Ensures transparent reporting and public communication through regular project updates, webpages, and blog posts detailing project progress and use of funds.
• Maintains oversight of the Vast Visions initiative, tracking its implementation and development — particularly in relation to FPMT’s charitable projects.
• Oversees the archiving and preservation of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s individual Dharma advice, personal donations, photo archive, and ongoing personal projects.
• Arranges ongoing pujas and practices to generate merit and remove obstacles for the benefit of the entire organization.

Donor Relations and Development

The Donor Relations and Development Department generates sustainable revenue for International Office operations, develops income-generating activities to support FPMT’s charitable projects, and aligns the revenue generation of International Office with its Dharma principles, vision and mission. To this end, promoting organizational accountability, providing careful stewardship of donors and funds, and creating timely, effective communication methods are components of their work to establish long-term financial stability.  The Development Department manages all fundraising campaigns and the Friends of FPMT program.

Finance and Administration 

Each department within the International Office develops an annual plan and budget based on agreed organizational priorities, subject to approval by the Board of Directors of FPMT Inc.

International Office operating expenses are funded through:

• Friends of FPMT donations
• Administrative fees charged on donations to managed accounts
• Fundraising
• Income from the Foundation Store
• Investment income

The Finance and Administration Department oversees the financial health and administrative operations of FPMT Inc. Its responsibilities include:

• Managing all aspects of financial and management accounting to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and applicable accounting standards.
• Maintaining custody of all FPMT Inc. funds and keeping accurate records of every financial transaction, including those relating to the Foundation’s restricted funds.
• Preparing and certifying FPMT Inc. financial accounts.
• Supporting the Executive Director and management team in developing and evaluating strategic business plans, preparing and managing budgets, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring sound financial and operational procedures.
• Producing financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including monthly reports for all project and fund directors, and managing external audit and banking relationships.
• Establishing financial practices, procedures, and their associated business policies.
• Managing the Administrative and Human Resources functions of the International Office, including insurance, corporate exemptions, regulatory compliance, and employee benefits.

Each year, the International Office publishes an Annual Review summarizing the organization’s activities, highlights, and financial performance over the preceding year.