The Dalai Lama Trust, India was founded in 2003 by His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama. The Trust was established to support the activities for advancement and welfare of the people in general and Tibetans in particular by funding and providing financial support through grants and donations. It also provides help in preservation and promotion of the rich culture and unique heritage of the ancient civilization of Tibet in its many facets.

Among numerous charitable activities, The Dalai Lama Trust supports the people oriented activities and projects such as to encourage and cultivate Ahimsa (non-violence) for individual growth and broader social change; to foster dialogue between science and religion; to provide aid for the propagation and advancement of education and learning; to provide medical relief or aid to the poor, destitute and homeless; to encourage a sense of Universal Responsibility among the young through education; to support or contribute towards the eradication of poverty and suffering wherever and in whatsoever form it may exits; to work towards the preservation of environment and promotion of world peace and understanding; to open, maintain and run hospitals, dispensaries, clinics and houses for the poor and needed. The Trust also provides scholarships, stipends and annuity to deserving people and so on.

The Dalai Lama Trust is a registered charitable body. Its income is derived mainly from royalties from sales of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s books; monetary offerings made to His Holiness by devout members of the public; or just straightforward voluntary offerings. It is governed by a board of trustees, chaired by its founder.