Sponsor a Young Nun
Supporting a new generation of Tibetan Buddhist women
For young Tibetan nuns living in exile, entering a nunnery begins a life of study, spiritual practice and service. Within these communities, they study Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy, learn through debate and develop the discipline, compassion and ethical understanding at the heart of Buddhist practice.
Their opportunities today are also part of an important change within Tibetan Buddhism. For generations, nuns did not have access to the same level of advanced philosophical education as monks. In exile, that has begun to change. Tibetan nuns are now undertaking rigorous programmes of Buddhist study, with women able to progress to the highest levels of monastic scholarship.
This matters at a time when Tibetan Buddhism, language and culture continue to face severe restrictions and pressure inside Tibet. Nunneries in exile provide places where young women can freely study, practise and carry these traditions forward — not simply preserving them, but becoming scholars, teachers and practitioners in their own right.
Sponsorship helps provide food, accommodation, education, healthcare and everyday necessities, giving a young nun the security to continue her life and studies within the nunnery.
By supporting a young nun, you are investing in her future and in a generation of Tibetan Buddhist women who will help ensure their spiritual, intellectual and cultural traditions continue to live and develop.
Meet Chimath
Meet Stanzin
Meet Tsering
Meet Tanzin
Meet Stanzin
Meet Stanzin P
Meet Stanzin Pt
Frequently asked questions
What difference does sponsorship make?
When you sponsor a Tibetan child, elder, monk, or nun living in exile, your support helps provide stability, care, and opportunity. Sponsorship makes a real and lasting difference to people rebuilding their lives and preserving their culture in exile.
What does sponsorship help provide?
Your sponsorship provides vital funding to our partner institutions (such as schools, monasteries, nunneries, or the Lodrik Welfare Fund). These institutions use the funds to ensure your sponsored individual receives education, daily meals, healthcare, accommodation, and overall wellbeing support as part of their daily care.
Will I receive updates?
Yes. You will receive a short biography and at least one update each year about the person you sponsor. If they are unable to write in English, updates may be prepared with the support of a caregiver, teacher, or monastery representative.
You can also choose to be a silent sponsor when setting up your sponsorship.
Can I write to the person I sponsor?
Yes. Many sponsors value the meaningful connection that develops through letters and messages. Correspondence is managed via our partner institutions to bridge the connection with your sponsored individual.
To protect both parties, all correspondence is carefully checked before being forwarded to ensure it is safe, respectful, and appropriate. The wellbeing, safeguarding, and privacy of both our sponsors and sponsored individuals is always our highest priority.
How long does sponsorship last?
We view sponsorship as a long-term commitment that supports children through their full education and ensures elders receive ongoing care. However, we understand circumstances change, and you can adjust or cancel your payments at any time.
If you choose to cancel, our partner institutions step in to ensure the individual's care continues uninterrupted while we look for a new sponsor. A child's sponsorship naturally concludes when they complete their education or vocational training, and we will update you as that transition approaches.
How is my sponsorship donation allocated?
80% of your sponsorship donation is distributed directly to our partner institutions—including the designated school, monastery, nunnery, or the Lodrik Welfare Fund. These trusted partners manage the funds locally to directly cover your sponsored individual's care, accommodation, food, and education costs. The remaining 20% is retained by our charity to cover essential administrative, governance, and UK fundraising costs, ensuring the program can run sustainably and securely.
Can I claim Gift Aid on my sponsorship?
Yes. If you are a UK taxpayer, you can add Gift Aid to your sponsorship at no extra cost to you. Because our charity retains full control and overarching governance of the funds sent to our partner institutions, 100% of your gift eligibility remains intact, allowing us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give.
What safeguarding measures are in place for sponsored individuals?
The safety and protection of all individuals in our program is paramount. We work strictly alongside our partner institutions (schools, monasteries, nunneries, and the Lodrik Welfare Fund) to ensure robust child and vulnerable adult safeguarding policies are enforced locally. We do not permit unsupervised direct contact, unvetted visits, or the exchange of personal contact details (such as phone numbers or social media profiles) between sponsors and individuals.
How do you ensure my money safely reaches India and Nepal?
We operate under strict formal written agreements and robust due diligence processes with all our overseas partners, including Lodrik Welfare. Funds are transferred via secure, monitored banking channels. Our partners are required to submit regular, audited financial receipts and itemised reports detailing exactly how the 80% allocation has been spent on care and education.
Why does sponsorship matter?
Tibetan communities living in exile in India and Nepal continue to face many challenges following displacement from Tibet. Sponsorship helps children access education, supports elders in later life, and enables monks and nuns to continue their studies and spiritual practice.
By sponsoring, you are helping preserve Tibetan culture, language, and traditions for future generations while supporting people to live with dignity, stability, and hope.
Still have a question?
If you have any questions or would like to talk anything through,
please get in touch - we’re here to help.
call Kennedy on 07557 814177
or
email Kennedy at sponsorship@tibetrelieffund.co.uk
