Our Story

IZUMI Foundation is one of several foundations around the world created and supported by the Japanese Buddhist Order Shinnyo-en. Created in 1998, IZUMI Foundation expresses Shinnyo-en’s values of compassion, concern for others, and altruism.

The Japanese word izumi means a water source in a green valley or a wellspring that can nurture life. Izumi can also be interpreted as a heart of compassion. With this compassionate heart, IZUMI Foundation strives to nurture and protect the lives of all people, especially those in regions where help cannot easily reach.

We are grateful to our dedicated partners working to improve health and healthcare for children, families, and communities around the world. Across the wide breadth of health challenges and geographies, we are all united in our conviction, commitment, and compassion.

To date, the Foundation has supported over 160 initiatives across 32 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.