Tibet Development Fund

The Tibet Development Fund, the only national public foundation in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, was initiated by the Choekyi Gyaltsen, [10th Panchen Lama] and Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, Vice Chairperson of the [Standing Committee of the National People's Congress]. A preparatory committee was formed in April 1987 in Beijing, with both vice-chairmen leading the effort.

History

The foundation was officially established in April 1992 in Beijing. Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, Vice Chairperson of the Chinese [People's Political Consultative Conference], became the chairman of the Board of Directors, while Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, also a vice-chairman of the CPPCC, and Sanggyai Yexe, former Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, were appointed as vice-chairmen of the Foundation. The Foundation raises funds from across China, including from patriotic Tibetans abroad, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan compatriots, overseas Chinese communities, and international organizations and individuals.