Tsoknyi Nuns Endowment Fund

The Truth of Impermanence

With the dramatic changes in our global situation, Tsoknyi Rinpoche reflected upon the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of his nunneries. To this end, Tsoknyi Rinpoche challenged the Tsoknyi Humanitarian Foundation (THF) to increase the Tsoknyi Nuns Endowment Fund to $10 million by the end of 2026.

The Tsoknyi Nuns Endowment Fund

We believe the best way to ensure the education, health, and spiritual well-being of the Tsoknyi Nuns is to build a self-sustaining Tsoknyi Nuns Endowment Fund that will provide the financial resources to supply the food, cooking fuel, clothing, educational needs, and medical needs for the nuns on their path to enlightenment. To that end, Tsoknyi Rinpoche tasked THF with growing the Nuns Endowment Fund to $10 million by the end of 2027. This will sustain the well-being of the Tsoknyi Nuns for generations to come.

With prudent oversight, the $10 million Endowment Fund will provide $500,000 annually to cover all operating expenses of the gompas (nunneries) without sacrificing the future growth and income potential of the Fund. Once the $10 million goal is realized, the Endowment Fund will continue to grow with limited future fundraising needs while providing long-term security and a lasting impact on the Tsoknyi Nuns. 

How You Can Help

A planned gift is a powerful way to practice generosity beyond this lifetime and sustain the preciousness of the Tsoknyi Nuns
for future generations.  

Michael Kunkel,
Planned Giving Director
Michael@tsoknyinuns.org
(719) 239-1516

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FAQs

What in an endowment fund?

An endowment fund is an investment fund established by a nonprofit organization to provide annual operating support by making consistent withdrawals from invested capital. Endowment funds are typically funded entirely by donations that are deductible for the donors.

A typical endowment distributes 4.5%-5% per year to its beneficiaries while keeping the principal intact.

When was the endowment started?

In 2004, Tsoknyi Rinpoche began dedicating his life to benefit female monastics in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition by creating an endowment fund. The endowment fund was started with the intention to benefit the Nangchen Nuns in Tibet.

When did the Nangchen Nuns Endowment become the Tsoknyi Nuns Fund Endowment?

In 2018,  endowment fundraising for all Tsoknyi Nuns in Tibet, Nepal, and elsewhere became the overarching goal. The Nangchen Nuns Endowment was transferred from the Pundarika Foundation US to the Tsoknyi Humanitarian Foundation (THF) in order for all fundraising for the Tsoknyi Nuns to be in one organization.

How does inflation in Nepal affect the operational expenses of the nunneries?

We anticipate that by 2027 a $10 million Endowment Fund's yearly income will provide $500,000 toward the annual operational expenses of the nunneries.  In addition, the anticipated $500,000 generated by the endowment fund starting in 2027 makes allowance for the annual Nepalese inflation rate.

Where is the Tsoknyi Nuns Fund located?

It is located in the United States with two different investment firms.

How is the fund managed?

A THF Financial Advisory Committee has been established to monitor and work with our financial advisors.

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