Since 1959, we have worked closely with Tibetans to ensure your generosity provides practical, relevant support, and reaches the communities we serve
For more than six decades, Tibetan communities have faced profound challenges to their culture, language and way of life. Across Tibet, concerns continue about restrictions on religious and cultural expression, including the ability of monasteries, nunneries and traditional institutions to sustain and pass on Tibetan Buddhist knowledge and practice. There are also growing concerns about policies that increasingly separate children from their families and educate them primarily in Mandarin rather than their mother tongue.
At the same time, Tibetans living in exile work to preserve their language, traditions and identity while building new lives and opportunities for future generations. Many communities continue to face economic hardship, barriers to education and healthcare, and the challenge of maintaining cultural heritage far from their homeland.
Tibet Relief Fund works alongside Tibetan communities, supporting locally identified priorities, strengthening resilience and helping safeguard the culture, knowledge and traditions that remain at the heart of Tibetan life.
Our programmes
"The first book that truly sparked my love for reading was 'The Knight at Dawn' by Mary Pope Osborne, which I
borrowed from Manjushri library. Since then, I haven’t been able to stop reading.”
Tenzin, aged 10
Sponsor a child or elder
Stories & impact
"The air was filled with laughter and joyous shouts as the children had fun."
A snapshot of our impact
466
Individuals sponsored last year
75
People receiving lifesaving Hepatitis B treatment
3,000+
People supported through food security and irrigation projects
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been Patron of Tibet Relief Fund for many years. Throughout his life, he has championed compassion, non-violence, dialogue and the preservation of Tibetan culture and spiritual traditions.
Following his exile from Tibet in 1959, His Holiness has inspired generations of Tibetans and supporters around the world through his commitment to peace, human dignity and universal responsibility.
The values that guide Tibet Relief Fund – compassion, service and support for Tibetan communities – reflect the principles that His Holiness has dedicated his life to promoting.
Tibetan communities continue to face unprecedented challenges.
In India
Many Tibetans living in exile in India remain without full citizenship status, relying instead on renewable registration documents. Although Tibetan communities have built strong schools and support networks in exile, this uncertain legal status can still create barriers to long-term security, higher education, employment opportunities, and access to wider state support.
In Nepal
Many Tibetans living in exile in Nepal continue to live without full citizenship rights, relying on temporary documentation to remain in the country. This can make it difficult to access stable employment, education, healthcare, and long-term support services, particularly for vulnerable families and older people. Over time, this uncertainty can affect financial security, access to opportunities, and the ability to plan for the future.
In Tibet
Inside Tibet, many Tibetans face growing restrictions on cultural life, language, and religious practice, alongside close monitoring and controls that affect everyday life and limit freedom of expression. There are also increasing concerns about state-run boarding schools, where large numbers of Tibetan children are educated away from their families, often with limited use of the Tibetan language and culture in daily learning.
Across these contexts in India and Nepal, Tibetans rely on external support to sustain daily life, preserve cultural identity, and maintain long-term wellbeing in challenging circumstances.
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama
Ways to support
Donate or fundraise to make a difference. Every gift helps sustain our work.
Stand alongside Tibetan communities in exile
Help Tibetan communities in exile preserve culture, support vulnerable people, and build hopeful futures.
