Nyima Khandu Tamang, a student at Sagarmatha School, proudly celebrates being the first-place winner at the Annual Academic Examination for Upper Kindergarten, April 2026.

Education remains one of the most powerful ways to transform lives, preserve culture, and create lasting opportunities for future generations. In 2026, the FPMT Social Services Fund (SSF) continued its commitment to supporting vulnerable students in some of the most remote and underserved regions of India and Nepal. Through partnerships with community‑run schools, monastic institutions, and early childhood initiatives, the SSF helped ensure access to quality education, daily care, nutrition, and stable learning environments rooted in compassion and ethical values. Across eight schools and educational initiatives supported in 2026, the impact of this work can be seen in diverse communities and learning environments. By the end of 2026, US$212,976 will have been offered from the Social Services Fund, reaching hundreds of children, monastic students, and educators. Read the full story »

Sagarmatha School children on an educational tour to Maratika Cave, May 2025.

In the remote valleys and small local communities of India and Nepal, education is more than a classroom experience – it is a lifeline to opportunity, cultural preservation, and spiritual growth. FPMT’s Social Services Fund (SSF) continues to play an important role in this journey, offering consistent support to schools that serve children and young monks from Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian backgrounds. By the end of 2025, the SSF will have disbursed a total of US$226,563 across eight schools, reaching over 1,400 students. These grants helped cover essential needs such as nutritious meals, teacher salaries, classroom materials, and cultural activities. Through this support, the SSF not only strengthens access to quality education but also nurtures the values of compassion, wisdom, gratitude, and resilience in the next generation. Read the full story »

Sagarmatha Secondary School students, May 2024.

Since 2012, the FPMT’s Social Services Fund has been a cornerstone of support for schools in India and Nepal, catering to students from Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian backgrounds. This initiative ensures that these schools can provide quality education at no cost by covering essentials such as food, uniforms, school supplies, and teacher salaries. In 2024 alone, the fund allocated US$213,052 to seven schools, positively impacting nearly 1,500 children. This remarkable effort not only delivers essential modern education but also preserves cultural heritage and Buddhadharma teachings. Read the full story »

Students of Maitreya School, Bodhgaya, thank kind donors for their support!

 In 2023, through the Social Services Fund we granted US$260,807.75 to eight different schools. This support has benefited over 1,500 school aged children in India and Nepal. We invite you to rejoice in our collective accomplishment in 2023, which is helping to break the cycle of poverty in underprivileged communities. Our efforts are providing essential contemporary education and also integrating the profound teachings of the Dharma and cultural preservation. Read the full story »

Students of Shree Sangka Dhechholing Gonpa School in Taplejung, Nepal.

Since 2012, the Social Services Fund has been supporting schools in India and Nepal that have students of Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian heritage. Approximately 1,000 school-aged children in seven different schools benefit from this support. FPMT’s Social Services Fund provides the food, uniforms, and school supplies for the students and salaries for the teachers to these free schools. We invite you to rejoice in the support we have offered this year, helping break the cycle of poverty and destitution in impoverished areas, and in order to facilitate both a modern and Dharma education, as well as cultural preservation, for those who will benefit most greatly. Read more »

Students of Maitreya School,

We invite you to rejoice in the ways we offered educational support to these children this year, thus helping break the cycle of poverty in impoverished areas and to help facilitate both a modern education and Dharma education for those in need.

Ngari Institute in Ladakh, India, helps disadvantaged children from remote regions of Ladakh and arranges to send them to, currently, three different schools. The Institute arranges all the costs related to offering this education, including the facility fees, food, uniforms, etc. The Social Services Fund has been covering all the costs of the food for the children and the teachers for eight years. This offering started in 2013 at US$15,720.62, and this year we were so happy to issue a grant for US$33,232. Read more »

Shakyamuni Clinic staff engaging with the community during the outreach program

In 2026, we awarded US$136,103 in grants to seven organizations across India and Mongolia, helping provide lifesaving medical care, community health services, rehabilitation, support for vulnerable families, and safe spaces where people can build healthier and more secure futures. The grants awarded in 2026 build upon the remarkable achievements of these organizations in 2025, supporting their continued efforts to serve communities in need throughout the year. In total, these efforts impacted an estimated 50,000 individuals, offering not just medical aid but also dignity, hope, and a pathway to well-being. We are delighted to share a glimpse of the extraordinary impact made possible through the generosity of our sponsors. Read more »

Young mother with child receiving care from the Maitri Charitable Trust mobile clinic.

In 2025, the FPMT Social Services Fund (SSF) remained dedicated to its mission of uplifting the most vulnerable populations in India and Mongolia. With a strong focus on supporting children, the elderly, the sick, and the extremely poor, the fund allocated over US$179,706 to essential healthcare and service initiatives. These grants facilitated the operation of health camps, mobile clinics, soup kitchens, and outreach programs, providing life-saving care and support to thousands. In total, these efforts impacted an estimated 44,000 individuals offering not just medical aid but also dignity, hope, and a pathway to well-being. We hope you will enjoy learning about the different health care and essential services we are currently supporting, and how the grants were utilized this year.  Read more »

An audience with HIs Holiness the Dalai Lama during Patient Care Trust’s camp for the top 21 doctors and administrators from three major supporting institutions of PCT since 2012 including AIIMS-Delhi, Safdarjung, and NITRD-Delhi, and the PCT Director, September 2023.

In 2024, the FPMT Social Services Fund, driven by a commitment to compassion to others, made a significant impact by allocating over US$501,284 to support various initiatives in India, Nepal and Mongolia. Dedicated to improving the lives of those in need, the fund focuses on vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, the sick, and the extremely poor. By providing grants for essential resources such as hospitals, health clinics, soup kitchens, substance abuse, and medical training and education. The fund supports local Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, and Mongolian communities. Through these efforts, the FPMT Social Services Fund continues its mission to alleviate suffering and foster positive change, enhancing the overall well-being of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Read more »

The medical staff of the Shakyamuni Health Clinic poses for a photo, expressing their gratitude and thanking all of the kind benefactors for their generous support.

The FPMT Social Services Fund is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need, particularly in India and Mongolia. With a compassionate approach, we strive to support projects that serve vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, the sick, and those who are extremely poor. Our grants are aimed to fund initiatives that can make an impact in local communities. This includes providing help for vital resources like health clinics, soup kitchens, and other non-governmental organizations supporting local Tibetan and Mongolian communities. We believe in the power of these projects to bring about positive change and improve the overall well-being.

In 2023, through the Social Services Fund we have offered US$188,858 to support these critical initiatives. Thanks to all who continue to support this fund, together we can continue to make a difference and extend our reach to even more individuals in need. Read more »

The monks of Sera Je Monastery receiving vaccines thanks to a grant from the Social Services Fund.

The FPMT Social Services Fund offers grants to beneficial projects primarily in India, Nepal, and Mongolia, which are aimed at serving children, the elderly, the sick, and very poor. We offer grants for schools, hospices, health clinics, soup kitchens, and elderly homes. We would like to invite you to rejoice in some of the grants offered in 2022 specifically toward medical care, living expenses, and food to those most in need. We have offered US$191,965 so far this year for this type of aid. 

Shakyamuni Buddha Health Clinic, a social service project of Root Institute, Bodhgaya, began in 1991 as a home for the destitute and has evolved into a diverse community health program encompassing a wide range of medical and rehabilitative services and health promotion activities. Read more »

Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a sick elderly woman in Maratika, Nepal. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

The FPMT Social Services Fund offers grants to beneficial projects primarily in India, Nepal, and Mongolia, which are aimed at serving children, the elderly, the sick, and very poor. We offer grants for schools, hospices, health clinics, soup kitchens, and elderly homes. In addition, due to shutdowns in 2021, we also offered food and monetary assistance to thousands of families in need. We would like to invite you to rejoice in some of the grants recently offered specifically toward medical care, living expenses, and food to those in India, Nepal and Mongolia.

Patient Care Trust (PCT) is an NGO operating in India, with a large proportion of its field work being conducted in Northern India. The NGO facilitates access to quality healthcare and also organizes free medical camps with partner hospitals. The mission of this project is to provide timely access to affordable quality healthcare for the socially marginalized Tibetan Refugees. Read more »

Jampaling Old People’s Home, Dharamsala (74 Elders)

Since 2016, FPMT’s Social Services Fund (SSF) has been providing essential, sustained help to Tibetan elder refugees across India, ensuring access to food, medical assistance, safe housing, and daily assistance. In 2026, this commitment continued with a total of US$247,591 provided to eight elder homes, addressing both annual running expenses and critical infrastructure and repair needs. Contributions were also made to two additional projects in Tibetan settlements focused on the care and well-being of elders. This report highlights the positive impact of the 2026 grants, offering much to rejoice in through these compassionate activities. Read more »

Phuntsokling Old People’s Home residents receiving blessings from the His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India.

In 2025, through FPMT’s Social Services Fund, US$202,715 was granted to nine elderly homes in India. This year’s support includes not only food, accommodation, and medical care, but also upgrades to facilities and assistance to the most at risk in the settlements.

This ongoing effort continues to be inspired by the profound great compassion and wisdom of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, whose vision was to care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of these elders. Rinpoche strongly emphasized that in addition to meeting material needs, we must also help create the conditions for spiritual practice, the accumulation of merit, and the purification of negative karma – especially at this precious time of life.

As we reflect on this year’s work, we also remember that this year is the year of compassion, in honor of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on July 6, 2025. This historic milestone is a time for heartfelt celebration and deep gratitude for His Holiness’s tireless advocacy for the Tibetan people, global peace, and universal compassion. Many of the elders supported through this fund have drawn strength and inspiration from His Holiness throughout their entire lives. This year, our offerings are also dedicated to His Holiness – with prayers for His long life and continued flourishing of His vast activities.

The ability to offer this continued support is due to the kindness of our donors, and we are deeply grateful. As we look ahead, we remain committed to upholding this meaningful work and repaying the kindness of our elders for as long as we are able. Read more »

Residents of Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled.

In 2024, we granted US$141,834 to seven different elderly homes in India. This support has benefited over 280 Tibetan senior citizens and includes a contribution for the renovation of a family’s house in Tibetan settlement of Puruwala in Himachal Pradesh.

Offering support to the elderly is guided by the profound kindness of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Many of the elders in these homes have expressed how much it has meant to them that Lama Zopa Rinpoche, through FPMT, has been providing continual and sustained support and that has made a real difference in their lives.

We invite you to rejoice in our collective accomplishments this year. The ability to offer these grants is due to the kindness of many, and we are so grateful for their generosity. We are committed to continuing our support for these elderly homes for as long as possible, thereby repaying the kindness of our elders. Read more »

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with the elders of Lugsam Samduling Home for the Aged and Disabled, Bylakuppe, India.

In 2023, we granted US$169,067.19 to six different elderly homes. This support has benefited over 250 Tibetan senior citizens and includes a contribution for the renovation of three destitute families’ homes in Tibetan settlements in Himachal Pradesh and near the border of Assam and Bhutan.

Upon receiving the heartbreaking news of Rinpoche’s passing, the residents of the elderly homes we have been supporting gathered to offer pujas and prayers beseeching the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Many of the homes sent messages expressing their profound sadness and how grateful they are for the care and support that Rinpoche has given them over the years, especially when it was so hard to find.

We invite you to rejoice in our collective accomplishment this year, as we have make a real difference in the lives Tibetan refugee elders by providing essential needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Read more »

Some of the elders of Rabgayling Tibetan Family Welfare Association.

For the seventh consecutive year, the FPMT Social Services Fund has continued to offer essential support to 320 elderly Tibetans living in homes throughout India and in Nepal. This service has become an essential mission of this fund with nine elderly homes now receiving grants.  Please join us in rejoicing in the following support which is being offered for 2022. Read more »

An elder of Dhondenling Old People Home, Kollegal.

Since 2015, the FPMT Social Services Fund has been offering support to hundreds of Tibetan elders residing in elderly homes throughout India. Tibetans have been living in exile since 1959 when Communist China invaded Tibet, forcing 100,000 Tibetans to flee to India, Nepal, Bhutan and eventually elsewhere around the world. Many of the Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal are now elderly and many are rendered destitute and in desperate need of care at this critical phase of life. Tibetan families traditionally provide for the elderly and sick among them. However, when a family itself is in deep poverty, or if the elderly individual is alone and without family support, help is needed.

In 2021 we sent US$286,887.28 to support seven elderly homes in India. Please join us in rejoicing that these grants were used in the following ways…Read more »

Herder Jigmed with liberated goats, Animal Liberation Project, FPMT Mongolia.

The Animal Liberation Fund continues to fulfill the holy wishes of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche by supporting the liberation and care of animals through extensive prayers, dedications, and compassionate action. These efforts benefit not only the animals but also those to whom the prayers are dedicated – including our sponsors, the sick, and those facing untimely death.

The fund enables weekly liberations and extensive dedications at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA. We are delighted to share that the Animal Liberation Fund provided US$13,139 in grants in 2025. Please read below to learn about the different grants offered and some of the ways that we are benefiting animals in the organization at the Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Nepal; Washington State, USA; FPMT Mongolia; and Nalanda Monastery, France. Read more »

Sangha blessing the animals in the Washington house.

The Animal Liberation Fund supports ongoing animal liberations conducted by Sangha and students, which include extensive prayers and dedications for fulfilling Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s holy wishes, his gurus, sponsors, those who are sick or facing untimely death, and specific requests from the FPMT community. Supporting these liberations fosters long life for the animals, oneself, and those to whom the prayers are dedicated. The benefits are vast, impacting the saved creatures, supporters of the practice, and those dedicated in the prayers. The fund enables weekly liberations and extensive dedications at Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA. We are delighted to share that the Animal Liberation Fund provided US$11,500 in grants to the Kopan Animal Liberation Sanctuary in Nepal and for the releasing and care of animals in Buddha Amitabha Pure Land in Washington State, USA. Read more »

Goats being blessed at Animal Liberation Sanctuary, Nepal.

Benefiting animals in any way possible is a high priority for  the FPMT organization and was one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions. Rinpoche explained many ways that we can benefit animals, not just by saving them from untimely death and caring for them for the rest of their lives, but also by blessing them with mantras, prayers, and holy objects in order to create merit and purify negative karma. We are delighted to announce that the Animal Liberation Fund provided US$18,820.70 in 2023 to support the below remarkable initiatives. Read more »

Lama Zopa Rinpoche offering prayers to a rescued water buffalo Rinpoche named Bodhichitta. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Among the many animal liberations happening around the organization, as advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, we are also so happy to be offering substantial support to three beneficial animal-centered projects this year. Nearly US$22,000 will be offered in support of these projects and we invite you to please rejoice with us! May all of these dear animals, as well as all sentient beings, receive the perfect care needed for the benefit of this and all future lives. 

Animal Liberation Sanctuary, Nepal

In countries like Nepal, the care and management of animals is very poor and animal sacrifices are common creating tremendous suffering for the animals and those involved. Since 2012 we have been supporting the Animal Liberation Sanctuary which is located on land near Kopan Monastery. Read more »

Khadro-la and Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing goats in Maratika, Nepal, April 25, 2021. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang.

We invite you to join us in rejoicing in a few of the ways the Animal Liberation Fund has benefited animals in recent months. 

Jangchub is a two year old female horse who was born with a genetic problem with her feet. She is not able to run and can only gallop. Because of this, she was seen as useless and was going to be put down. Aquila Nera Horse Sanctuary in Italy, which has a close connection with Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, offered to let Jangchub live the rest of her life at their facility and cover her vet and medical expenses. The Animal Liberation Fund sponsored her food for the year. Read more »

Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommended that the animals at the sanctuary get more blessings so he gave co-directors Phil and Tanya a red bag full of holy items with which to bless the animals. Photo by Ven. Thubten Choying.

Every day around the world millions of animals are killed and mistreated needlessly. In countries like Nepal, the care and management of animals is very poor and animal sacrifices are common creating tremendous suffering for the animals and those involved.

In his concern for the welfare of all living beings, Lama Zopa Rinpoche initiated the purchase of land near Kopan Monastery for the Animal Liberation Sanctuary to provide shelter and care for animals rescued from being killed, so that they may live out their natural lives in peace and attain a higher rebirth. The sanctuary benefits rescued animals, not only by freeing from impending death, but also by exposing them to Buddha’s teachings. They regularly hear mantras and are led around holy objects. The animals (seven cattle, 46 goats, and one sheep) are receiving shelter, food, veterinary care, kindness, and Dharma. Read more »

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Sangha blessing all the beings in a lake in Washington State, US, June 2018. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

The Animal Liberation Fund sponsored the liberations of approximately 84,356 animals at Kachoe Dechen Ling, California, and Buddha Amitabha Pure Land, Washington State, in 2019. Since 2015, 812,455 small animals have been saved from untimely death by resident Sangha and taken around an incredible amount of holy objects, mantras were recited and blown on them and they were carefully placed where they could live out the rest of their life. When Sangha finish these liberations, they make strong prayers for all those who are sick, have recently died, or who have requested prayers. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of this practice as the merit is shared among so many. All are welcome to request prayers and dedications from the Sangha  for themselves or loved ones. In addition to the animal liberations in Washington State, the Sangha regularly bless the beings living in the lakes of this area. Read more »