Từ Bi Foundation (TBF) is a non-profit organization, established in 1993 by the Abbot of the Viet Nam Buddhist Center (VNBC). The title "Từ Bi" was chosen because it represents compassion and loving-kindness. It is operated under the auspices of the VNBC.

The Viet Nam conflict had left many Vietnamese people in a state of never ending poverty.  As a champion of education, the Abbot realized that only through education could one be helped out of poverty.  This realization gave birth to the "Từ Bi Foundation."  The Abbot began by granting scholarships to orphans, then extended this to children from poor families.  The result of this program was very positive, and was soon broadened to include other programs. 

Under the direction of the Abbot of the VNBC, the TBF is currently providing the following programs:

Educational Programs:

1.Scholarships to orphans and children from poor families

2.Kindergarden schools in poor villages

3.Classroom furniture and school supplies

4.Teachers’‘ salary to very poor schools

Emergency Relief Programs:

1.Emergency relief for victims of natural disasters.

2."House of Kindness."  Shelter for those who have no roof over their head.

3.Financial assistance to the helpless elderly in remote areas.

4.Food and financial assistance to poor families to help them during special occasions.

5.Water wells for poor villages.

6.Rice to poor monasteries in remote areas.

Additional programs are being considered.  Currently, we are revisiting the "Pharmacy on Wheels" program.  The realization of additional programs depends on their merit, the availability of funds, and the availability of experienced staff. 

  HOW DOES IT WORK?

  A.Source of Support.

  We are very grateful to the many kindhearted benefactors, who wish to share and to help the less fortunate people in Viet Nam.  These benefactors come from all walks of life, religious organizations, religious study groups, small businesses, students, retired people, etc.

B.The current cost of each program is as follows:

Educational Programs:

1.Scholarship: $5/month or $60/year per student

2.Kindergarden school: $5,000/school

3.Classroom furniture and school supplies: $300/classroom

4.Teachers’‘ salary: $20/month per teacher

Emergency Relief Programs:

1.Emergency Relief: depending on available funds

2.House of Kindness: $300/frame house.  Recipients are voted on by the villagers themselves

3.Helpless Elderly: depending on the availability of miscellaneous funds.  Distribution is normally a small cash amount, bag of rice, condiments, and medicine if available, etc. 

4.Exceptional occasions: depending on the availability of general funds.  Food and a small cash amount to help recent natural disaster victims to celebrate Lunar New