Our Story
Our staff & volunteers
TCDF is a nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) under the federal law of the United States. Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the Ex-officio Chair person of TCDF. It has five board members, who are appointed by the Kashag. Based in Washington, D.C., TCDF serves to administer programs and events for Tibetans in North America and supports their effort towards preservation of Tibetan culture, religion and language. Our staff members are dedicated volunteers who bring passion and commitment to serve His Holiness's vision for Tibet.
TCDF Programs and Initiatives
TCDF is committed to creating impactful programs and meaningful leadership opportunities for Tibetan youth to preserve and strengthen Tibetan culture and language through four core program areas:
1. Cultural Preservation
TCDF establishes and supports Tibetan language and cultural schools throughout North America, providing comprehensive training for Tibetan teachers and organizing biennial conferences for Tibetan Language and Cultural School directors to share best practices and innovations. The organization hosts annual Buddhism retreats and youth leadership workshops during summer months, designed specifically to transmit authentic Tibetan cultural traditions and Buddhist teachings to younger generations in engaging and accessible formats.
2. Education
Through its carefully managed Scholarship Endowment Fund, TCDF works diligently to raise and distribute funds supporting Tibetan families in India who face financial hardships when sending their children to colleges and universities. This initiative ensures that financial constraints do not prevent promising Tibetan students from accessing higher education and developing skills vital to community leadership.
3. Community Development
TCDF implements the "Puensingh Shichaks Lehshid" (Sister Settlement Program) initiated by the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet) to foster solidarity and self-reliance among geographically dispersed Tibetan communities in India and Nepal. This program creates sustainable partnerships between settlements, facilitating knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and collaborative problem-solving to address common challenges.
4. Leadership Development
Through its innovative youth outreach program, TCDF empowers Tibetan youth to engage directly in substantive work that builds and strengthens Tibetan communities. This initiative provides structured opportunities for young Tibetans to develop professional skills while contributing meaningfully to community-based projects, ensuring a new generation of capable leaders emerges to guide the Tibetan community into the future.
Our mission
TCDF is a nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) under federal law of the United States, with a profound mission to preserve, protect, and promote the distinct cultural identity of the Tibetan people both in exile and in Tibet. The organization is dedicated to supporting and strengthening Tibetan communities across North America through cultural programs, educational initiatives, and community-building efforts that ensure the continued vitality of Tibetan heritage.
As a voice for Tibetans living under oppression in Tibet, TCDF works to raise awareness about human rights concerns, religious freedom, and cultural preservation within Tibet itself. The organization serves as a bridge between Tibetan communities in exile and the broader international community, advocating for policies that support the preservation of Tibet's unique linguistic, religious, and cultural traditions that span thousands of years.
Under the guidance of the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who serves as Ex-officio Chairperson, and five board members appointed by the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet), TCDF implements strategic programs that foster intergenerational transmission of knowledge, provide humanitarian assistance, and create platforms for Tibetan voices to be heard. Based in Washington, D.C., the organization leverages its position to influence policy discussions while providing direct support to Tibetan communities throughout North America in their efforts to maintain their distinct identity in the face of significant challenges.