# Tzu Chi > humanitarian and non-governmental organization in Taiwan **Wikidata**: [Q717899](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q717899) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzu_Chi) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tzu-chi ## Summary Tzu Chi is a humanitarian and non-governmental organization in Taiwan, founded in 1966 by Cheng Yen. It operates as a charitable organization with a focus on disaster relief, medical care, and social welfare, while also functioning as a research institute through its publication, the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*. ## Key Facts - Founded in **1966** by **Cheng Yen** - Headquartered in **Taiwan** - Classified as a **charitable organization**, **non-governmental organization**, and **research institute** (specializing in medical research via the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*) - Operates under various aliases, including **Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation** and **Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation** - Holds identifiers such as **ISNI 0000000405729079**, **GND ID 1142582612**, and **ROR ID 022mrwt29** - Active in **12 Wikipedia languages** and has **12 sitelinks** across knowledge bases - Publishes the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*, qualifying it as a **research institute** ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary mission of Tzu Chi? A: Tzu Chi is a humanitarian organization focused on disaster relief, medical care, and social welfare. It also conducts research through its medical journal, the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*. ### Q: Who founded Tzu Chi, and when? A: Tzu Chi was founded in **1966** by **Cheng Yen**. ### Q: Is Tzu Chi a government organization? A: No, Tzu Chi is a **non-governmental organization** and operates as a **charitable foundation**. ### Q: Does Tzu Chi engage in research? A: Yes, Tzu Chi functions as a **research institute** through its publication, the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*. ### Q: What are some of Tzu Chi’s notable achievements? A: Tzu Chi is recognized for its humanitarian work, including disaster relief efforts, and its contributions to medical research through its journal. ## Why It Matters Tzu Chi plays a crucial role in Taiwan’s humanitarian and social welfare sectors, providing aid during disasters and supporting medical research. As a non-governmental organization, it operates independently to address community needs, particularly in disaster relief and healthcare. Its dual role as a charitable foundation and research institute underscores its commitment to both immediate humanitarian efforts and long-term medical advancements. By leveraging its resources and expertise, Tzu Chi has become a key player in Taiwan’s response to crises and public health initiatives. ## Notable For - Founded in **1966**, Tzu Chi is one of Taiwan’s oldest humanitarian organizations. - Operates as both a **charitable foundation** and a **research institute**, distinguishing it from purely non-profit entities. - Publishes the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*, qualifying it as a **research institute** in medical fields. - Holds multiple international identifiers, including **ISNI** and **GND**, reflecting its global recognition. - Active in **12 Wikipedia languages**, indicating widespread awareness and documentation of its work. ## Body ### Founding and Origins Tzu Chi was established in **1966** by **Cheng Yen**, a Buddhist monk. Initially known as the **Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation**, it was later rebranded as the **Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation**. The organization’s name, "Tzu Chi," translates to "Compassion" in Mandarin. ### Classification and Operations Tzu Chi is classified as a **charitable organization**, **non-governmental organization**, and **research institute**. Its research activities are conducted through the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*, which qualifies it as a **research institute** specializing in medical fields. ### International Recognition Tzu Chi holds several international identifiers, including: - **ISNI**: 0000000405729079 - **GND ID**: 1142582612 - **ROR ID**: 022mrwt29 - **VIAF ID**: 132829986 ### Digital Presence and Documentation Tzu Chi is documented in **12 Wikipedia languages** and has **12 sitelinks** across knowledge bases. It is also referenced in academic sources such as *The Westminster Handbook to Women in American Religious History*. ### Aliases and Legal Structure Tzu Chi operates under various aliases, including: - **Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation** - **Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation** - **Tzu Chi (Ciji) Foundation (Buddhist Compassion Relief)** Its legal structure includes identifiers like **GUI Number 94800552** and **Library of Congress Authority ID no96051261**. ### Research and Publications Tzu Chi’s research activities are documented in the *Tzu-Chi Medical Journal*, which is cited in academic sources. This publication qualifies the organization as a **research institute** in medical fields. ### Headquarters and Global Footprint Tzu Chi’s headquarters are located in **Taiwan**. It has a presence in multiple countries and is recognized globally through identifiers such as **GRID ID grid.418493.3**. ### Social Media and Online Presence Tzu Chi maintains an online presence, including a **Weibo account** (user ID: tzuchi) and a **Quora topic** (Tzu-Chi). It is also listed in the **Open Funder Registry** under ID **501100008107**. ### Wikipedia and Knowledge Base Links Tzu Chi is documented in Wikipedia under the title **"Tzu Chi"**, with a **sitelink count of 12**. It is categorized under **Category:Tzu Chi** in Wikipedia. ## References 1. [Directory of Open Access Journals](http://www.tcmjmed.com/contributors.asp#editorial) 2. GRID Release 2017-01-10 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. GRID Release 2015-12-14 6. GRID Release 2016-12-06 7. Quora 8. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions 9. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph 10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File 11. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)