Nepal contains some of the world's most dramatic terrain and natural beauty. Tucked between two emerging superpowers, China and India, it is a small developing country with a long and rich cultural history. With a population of 23 million people, Nepal also struggles against extreme poverty and its ensuing problems; the way forward is indeed a challenge.

The US is Nepal's largest trading partner, and the Nepal Foundation was formed in 2003 to promote educational and cultural links between our two countries, as well as to encourage local improvement projects in Nepal. The Foundation focuses on the development of philanthropic relationships to benefit both countries in cross-cultural awareness and understanding.

Philadelphia is particularly rich in educational, health and other resources which are desperately needed in Nepal, and in people who are willing to share their knowledge and resources.

The Nepal Foundation has been able to:

• Lend support to a group which distributes micro loans to individuals ready to start small local businesses;
• Initiate an Artist-in-Residence Program, which has enabled young Nepalis to spend a year in the US working on their particular projects while learning about America.
• Establish a cooperative arrangement between US hospitals and Patan Hospital in Kathmandu for the exchange of ideas, training, equipment and arranged for GE healthcare to donate $50,000 worth of medical equipment for the new wing of the Patan Hospital.
• Bring together people from the Mt. Everest region Nepali Park System and the US National Park Service to collaborate on personnel training, building a visitors' Center in Sagarmatha Park, where Mt. Everest is located, and planning educational features and gift shop sales at the visitors' center.

Your interest and inquiries are welcome.
The Foundation is registered as a non-profit (501c3) organization. Even a modest individual donation, which is tax-deductible, can greatly benefit an individual or their community in Nepal. Anyone who becomes involved will find it an enlightening and rewarding experience, and will gain loyal, life-long friends in this warm and hospitable country.