The Foundation

The Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama was founded by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso in accordance with Art. 80 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code in the year 2015 and is based in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It has been set up to maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama with regard to the religious and spiritual duties of the Dalai Lama.

First and foremost, the Foundation aims to encourage the values and duties to which His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is committed to:

• the promotion of fundamental human values;
• the promotion of closer understanding and harmony among the world’s religions;
• the promotion of peace and the principle of non-violence;
• the protection of the environment and;
• the promotion of dialogue between science and religion to provide mutual insight.

Furthermore, the Foundation aims to promote and maintain the Tibetan culture and support the Tibetan people, but also other people in need, irrespective of nationality, religion and origin.

The Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama implements its objectives through selective and targeted funding of short- and long-term initiatives and projects that are in line with the Foundation’s purposes. It regularly donates to aid organizations that provide much-needed emergency relief in areas of humanitarian crisis throughout the world.

The Foundation does not pursue a commercial purpose, does not strive for profit and is tax-exempt by the Canton of Zurich. It is financially backed by donations from the Founder and the public and managed by a Board of Directors chaired by the Founder, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Being an international acting foundation, the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama is under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs.

The office of the Foundation is located in Zurich, Switzerland and manages the day-to-day business in close consultation with the members of the Board of Directors.

Who we are ༜
The Dalai Lama ༜
The Foundation ༜
The Board of Directors ༜