Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

Religious Education Servicesfpmt.org

FPMT is a US-based non-profit founded in 1975 that delivers Tibetan Buddhist (Gelug tradition) education, practice materials, and charitable programs to practitioners, ordained sangha, and affiliated center communities across 17+ countries via online learning, e-commerce, and a global center network.

Company typePrivate
Founded1975
HeadquartersPortland, United States
Headcount11–50
GTM typeB2C
OfferingServices

What Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition does

The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) is a US-based, Oregon-domiciled non-profit religious organization founded in 1975 (with 50-year celebration marking activity from 1973) by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche to preserve and disseminate the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It serves individual Buddhist practitioners, ordained sangha, and affiliated center communities worldwide across at least 17 countries, delivering structured education from introductory modules through advanced lam-rim and Masters Program study.

FPMT's product portfolio centers on the Online Learning Center (a web-based platform with 50+ modules in English, Spanish, and French serving 10,000+ registered users), the Foundation Store e-commerce site for practice materials under a generosity-based pricing model, the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive of historical teaching recordings dating to the 1970s, and the Rinpoche Available Now (RAN) video and podcast library. Adjacent operating subsidiaries include Editions Mahayana (French-language publishing), Maitripa College (Buddhist higher education), and the Liberation Prison Project (Dharma outreach to incarcerated individuals). The Universal Education for Compassion & Wisdom secular program extends the mission into mainstream educational settings.

The organization operates a community-led, donation-funded revenue model combining general and project-specific donations (Bodhichitta Fund, Animal Liberation Fund, Holy Objects Fund, Social Services Fund), generosity-based retail sales, and an annual Friends of FPMT membership. Mandala Magazine, previously a core engagement channel, ceased regular publication in 2021 and now exists as a digital archive. Following Lama Zopa Rinpoche's passing in April 2023 and the Dalai Lama's March 2025 confirmation of his reincarnation in Nepal, FPMT is operating under new executive leadership (Ven. Roger Kunsang, Executive Director and CEO) while continuing global programs and capital initiatives such as the 13m stupa at Kopan Monastery.

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
Legal name: Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition
Website: https://fpmt.org
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1975
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 11–50 employees
Short description: FPMT is a US-based non-profit founded in 1975 that delivers Tibetan Buddhist (Gelug tradition) education, practice materials, and charitable programs to practitioners, ordained sangha, and affiliated center communities across 17+ countries via online learning, e-commerce, and a global center network.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition industry classification

Industry

Product category: Religious Education Services
NAICS: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
SIC: Services-Educational Services (8200)
akta.pro industry: PRIMARYHSADAJAH
Meditation Apps, Digital Courses & Online Communities
Home & Personal Services/Fitness, Wellness & Personal Training/Meditation, Mindfulness & Breathwork
SECONDARYMPACALAL
Learning Content Bundling & Subscription Passes (All-Access Libraries)
Media, Entertainment & Sports/Digital Media & Content Platforms (Online Video, Podcasts, Creators)/Online Learning Content Platforms (Creator-Led Courses)

Keywords

Buddhist education
Religious instruction
Meditation retreats
Dharma teachings
Spiritual practice materials

Where Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Portland
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition business model

Business model

GTM type: B2C
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

Donations and Charitable Giving: FPMT relies primarily on donations from supporters worldwide. The organization offers various donation options including general donations, project-specific donations (such as the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund, Animal Liberation Fund, Holy Objects Fund, and others), and membership in the Friends of FPMT program which provides access to publications and resources.
Foundation Store Sales: The Foundation Store sells Buddhist study and practice materials including homestudy programs, prayers and practices in PDF and eBook formats, materials for children, and other resources to support practitioners. Items are offered using a generosity-based pricing system.
Mandala Magazine Subscriptions: Mandala Magazine was published as a benefit of the Friends of FPMT program. The final issue was published in 2021 and is available as a digital PDF for a US$3 donation.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Subscription	Annual	Friends of FPMT Membership
One time/ perpetual license	Pay-as-you-go	Mandala Magazine Digital Edition

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition product offering

Product offering

Core offering

FPMT provides integrated Mahayana Buddhist education through structured study programs (Discovering Buddhism, Basic Program, Masters Program), an Online Learning Center with 50+ modules in English, Spanish and French, and a network of retreat and meditation centers worldwide. It sells practice and study materials through the Foundation Store e-commerce shop on a generosity-based pricing model, offers charitable funds for animal liberation, holy objects, ordained sangha support, and social services, and preserves lineage teachings through the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. Operations are funded primarily by donations and Friends of FPMT annual memberships.

Product overview

FPMT is a Buddhist educational organization offering a multi-layered portfolio of products and services centered on Mahayana Buddhist teachings. The core offerings include the FPMT Online Learning Center (web-based platform with 50+ modules in 3 languages), the Foundation Store (e-commerce for Buddhist materials), Mandala Magazine (official publication), and the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive (historical teaching recordings). Educational programs span Discovering Buddhism (14-module introduction), the FPMT Basic Program (structured lam-rim study), and the FPMT Masters Program (advanced training). Additional offerings include Rinpoche Available Now (video teachings archive), Prayers and Practice Materials collection, charitable projects (holy objects, social services, animal liberation), and Friends of FPMT membership. The organization operates a global network of retreat centers and provides Universal Education for Compassion & Wisdom secular programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

Mandala Magazine: Official magazine of FPMT, published as a benefit of the Friends of FPMT program. Published 1995-2021.
Rinpoche Available Now (RAN)
Friends of FPMT
The Foundation Store
FPMT Online Learning Center

Products and services

FPMT Online Learning Center Web-based learning platform offering over 50 modules of Buddhist education programs in English, Spanish, and French for students seeking structured study without leaving home.
Foundation Store Online shop selling Buddhist study and practice materials written or recommended by lineage gurus, including homestudy programs, prayers and practices in PDF or eBook format, and materials for children.
Mandala Magazine Official publication of FPMT providing articles, teachings, interviews, and community news, previously published as a benefit of the Friends of FPMT membership, with digital archives of past issues.
Discovering Buddhism Comprehensive 14-module program covering the essential teachings of Buddhism for beginners, available through online learning and home study formats.
FPMT Basic Program Structured multi-year study program covering lam-rim (stages of the path) teachings with standard texts, commentaries, and preparatory study and practice components.
FPMT Masters Program Advanced comprehensive study program for deeper Buddhist philosophical training within the FPMT education system.
Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive Digital archive containing recordings and transcripts of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche's teachings dating back to the early 1970s.
Rinpoche Available Now (RAN) Video and audio archive project featuring teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered at FPMT centers around the world.
Prayers and Practice Materials Extensive collection of Buddhist prayers, mantras, sutras, purification practices, and practice materials available for download or purchase.
FPMT Charitable Projects Charitable initiatives including the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhichitta Fund, Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund, Animal Liberation Fund, Holy Objects Fund (stupas, Buddha statues, prayer wheels), and Social Services Fund.
FPMT Global Centers Network Global network of FPMT meditation and retreat centers providing in-person teachings, meditation sessions, retreats, and community services across 17+ countries.
Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom Secular education program bringing compassion and wisdom values into mainstream education settings for schools and educators.
Friends of FPMT Membership Annual membership program providing access to FPMT online study programs, downloadable Dharma materials, Mandala magazine archive, and other member benefits in support of FPMT operations.

Quantifiable outcome

Over 10,000 registered users in Online Learning Center accessing 50+ modules
+1 more outcomes

Companies that use Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

Customer profile

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

Liberation Prison ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFPMT collaborates with Liberation Prison Project on Dharma Practice Dates on FPMT.org, a collaborative project providing Dharma support to interested prisoners around the world. The Liberation Prison Project offers Dharma materials and practice guidance to incarcerated individuals.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

Tricycle Foundation: Buddhist media and education non-profit publishing a flagship magazine (Tricycle), online courses, and teacher directories. Comparable in Buddhist education publishing, donation-based revenue, and serving Western lay practitioners online.
New Kadampa Tradition: International Tibetan Buddhist organization offering structured study programs, meditation centers worldwide, and online learning resources. Closely comparable to FPMT in tradition-aligned curricula, residential center model, and global teacher network.
Insight Meditation Society: Buddhist meditation retreat and education center offering online courses, residential programs, and teacher training. Comparable in non-profit Buddhist education, online learning, donation funding, and retreat center operations.
Shambhala International: International Buddhist-inspired organization with meditation centers, online courses, and a structured path of practice. Comparable in operating a global center network, online learning, and memberships/donations to fund programming.
Rigpa: Global network of Buddhist meditation and study centers offering online courses, retreats, and a study programs structure. Direct peer given overlap in Tibetan Buddhist lineage-based education, online learning, and center-based community delivery.
Dharma Drum Mountain: International Chinese Buddhist organization with centers worldwide offering Chan/Zen practice, online courses, and social engagement programs. Comparable in global center network, structured Buddhist education, and donation-driven model.
Plum Village: International mindfulness community founded by Thich Nhat Hanh with monasteries, online retreats, and a popular mobile app. Comparable in Buddhist-rooted mindfulness education, global community, online learning, and donation-based revenue model.

Others

Kopan Monastery: FPMT-affiliated Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Nepal offering residential courses, meditation retreats, and online teachings. Adjacent peer sharing founders, tradition, and curriculum lineage with FPMT.

Emerging players

Mind & Life Institute: Non-profit integrating contemplative science and Buddhism through dialogues, research, and educational programs. Comparable in mission-driven Buddhist-rooted education but differentiated by research focus and secular academic partnerships.

Broad incumbents

Soka Gakkai International: Large lay Buddhist organization operating across 190+ countries with education, publishing, and community programs. Comparable in global scale, donation-funded programming, and education/community mission, though anchored in Nichiren rather than Tibetan tradition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries3 records

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

What does Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition do?

Is Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition a public or private company?

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition founded?

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition was founded in 1975. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition based?

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition is headquartered in Portland, United States, in the North America region.

How does Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Giving is the primary driver. The others are foundation Store Sales and mandala Magazine Subscriptions.

Who are Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Tricycle Foundation, New Kadampa Tradition, Insight Meditation Society, Shambhala International, Rigpa, Dharma Drum Mountain and Plum Village. Kopan Monastery is listed as an others. Mind & Life Institute is listed as an emerging player. Soka Gakkai International is listed as a broad incumbent.

Does Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition have an API?

No public API is recorded for Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.

What industry is Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition in?

Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition's product category is Religious Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSADAJAH, Meditation Apps, Digital Courses & Online Communities, with a secondary code of MPACALAL, Learning Content Bundling & Subscription Passes (All-Access Libraries). Its NAICS code is 813 and its SIC code is 8200.