About Us
Our Story
Tzu Chi Foundation
Tzu Chi Foundation is a globally recognized international humanitarian and nongovernmental organization (NGO). Founded in 1966 in Hualien, Tzu Chi has devoted 58 years to its core missions of charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture. With offices in 67 countries, the foundation has implemented disaster relief, medical aid, and environmental protection initiatives across 133 countries. In recognition of its profound global impact, Tzu Chi was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) in 2010.
In 2019, Tzu Chi was accredited by the United Nations Environment Programe (UNEP) as an observer to sessions of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In 2022, Tzu Chi was appointed as co-chair of the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development’s Multi-Faith Advisory Council, reinforcing its commitment to fostering sustainable and compassionate global development.
4 Mission 8 Footprints
Tzu Chi has always upheld the concept of the 4 Missions, embodying a holistic approach to addressing societal and global challenges. Our foundation also expanded into the 8 Footprints, forming a comprehensive framework for sustainable action and compassionate service, guiding individuals and communities toward a harmonious and better world.
Charity
Charity is at the heart of our mission at Tzu Chi. We provide food, shelter, and financial aid, improving lives in meaningful ways. Our goal is to transform despair into hope and empower others, while inspiring the joy and inner growth that come from helping.
Medicine
Illness is a tough challenge, and providing free medical care has been Tzu Chi’s priority from the start. Today, our network of hospitals, mobile units, and volunteers offers holistic care, valuing the wellbeing of patients, families, and medical teams alike.
Education
Tzu Chi is committed to shaping the future through education. Our schools and universities worldwide focus on excellence and nurturing kindness, compassion, and selfless giving. We promote respect for all, regardless of race, culture, or religion.
Humanistic Culture
Tzu Chi promotes a humanistic culture rooted in Buddhist values, encouraging moral growth, self-awareness, and acts of compassion. We provide support and guidance to cultivate love, compassion, and wisdom while overcoming negative emotions.
International Relief
Tzu Chi, accredited by the UN, provides large-scale international disaster relief. Our volunteers deliver emergency essentials like food, shelter, and medical supplies, plus financial aid. We stay long-term, helping rebuild, establish schools, and offer free clinics.
Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Donating bone marrow can save lives without harming the donor. Tzu Chi manages a Bone Marrow Donor Registry, encourages participation, and supports stem cell research, gene therapy, and an umbilical cord blood repository.
Environmental Protection
Tzu Chi believes individual choices can protect the environment. We promote waste reduction, recycling, plant-based diets, and simpler lifestyles to reduce our carbon footprint and live in harmony with the Earth.
Volunteers
Compassion drives Tzu Chi’s mission. Our global volunteers selflessly dedicate their time and energy, enabling our charity, medical, education, relief, and environmental programs through their sincerity and love.
Tzu Chi International Youth Association
(TIYA)
Tzu Chi International Youth Association (TIYA) is a sub-organization of the Tzu Chi Foundation. Established in 2020, TIYA serves as a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering young individuals. By fostering leadership, innovation, and collaboration, TIYA encourages youth to actively engage with societal and global challenges, contributing positively to their communities and beyond.
Our IYLP program operates under TIYA’s guidance, offering young leaders opportunities to enhance their skills, broaden their perspectives, and drive sustainable change. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire a generation committed to building a more harmonious and sustainable world.
International Youth Leadership Program (IYLP)
About IYLP
the opportunity to engage in global leadership experiences.
Tzu Chi’s International Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) is designed for young adults aged 20-35 to develop global leaders with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to create positive change. The program offers opportunities for networking, community service, and participation in international events such as UN conferences.
IYLP also aims to foster a global perspective, build a strong network of service-minded leaders, and provide comprehensive training for youth engagement in international activities.
How It Started
2022
The program began, empowering young leaders through global leadership and humanitarian projects worldwide.
2023
The program expanded, adding new partnerships and giving participants access to international forums and conferences.
2024
We started introduced a selective cohort, focusing on mentorship, leadership development, and global exposure.
2025
We aim to focus on welcoming young individuals who are committed to transforming knowledge into practical action, ensuring ideas go beyond the written word.