What we do
Tzu Chi was established with four overarching missions—charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture—with charity as the first and most fundamental. In more recent years, finding more ways to help, Tzu Chi expanded its four missions to cover more contemporary concerns: bone marrow donation, community volunteerism, environmental protection, and international relief, with the eight now collectively known as Tzu Chi’s Eight Footprints.
Our missions and programs
CharityCharity is the cornerstone of Tzu Chi. From the first coin banks filled by housewives in Taiwan, the idea has spread everywhere the foundation is present.
MedicineTo break the cycle of illness and poverty, the Mission of Medicine began with a free clinic. Today the Tzu Chi International Medical Association serves where medical resources are lacking.
EducationAt Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines in Quezon City, children learn not only academics but also values, guided by a curriculum rooted in compassion and respect.
Humanistic cultureThrough print, broadcast, the internet and live performance, Tzu Chi shares truthful, values-oriented stories that inspire love and compassion.
Community volunteerismVolunteers are organized by where they live, so help arrives quickly and neighbors grow together.
Environmental protectionVolunteers promote recycling, conserve resources and help their communities adopt eco-friendly habits.
Eye CenterFree surgery for cataracts and other eye illnesses at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, for…
Free ClinicFree consultations and medicines: acupuncture, ENT, general medicine, pediatrics and physical therapy, by appointment.
Great Love PreschoolTzu Chi's progressive preschool for children ages 2 to 4, in Quezon City.
Every mission here depends on gifts
In 2025, gifts to Tzu Chi brought rice to 18,193 households, treated 9,199 patients and supported 1,576 students.