Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-based international non-governmental organization, established in Hualien, Taiwan by a Buddhist nun, Master Cheng Yen in 1966. From a group of 30 female homemakers who saved approximately 2 cents USD from their grocery budget each day to help the needy, Tzu Chi has now grown to over 10 million supporters in 100 countries around the world. “Tzu Chi,” which literally means “Compassionate Relief,” can also be interpreted as, “to serve with compassion,” an act which is held true by all Tzu Chi volunteers—individuals guided by the principles of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. The Foundation works in the fields of charity, medicine, education, humanistic culture, disaster relief, environmental protection, bone marrow donor registry, and community volunteerism.