About Us

Foundation for the People of Burma (FPB) is the largest, independently-supported, U.S.-based humanitarian organization focusing exclusively on Burma. We have been implementing projects and supporting community-based action since 1999. Our programs provide direct assistance to communities that have been severely affected by injustice. We engage in compassionate, creative and strategic interventions which facilitate positive, long-lasting change for those that face scarcity and lack personal freedom.

Since 1999 we have had the privilege of collaborating with community-based partners to bring a wide range of services to tens of thousands of people inside Burma and refugees in neighboring countries. Services include basic health care, primary education, improved teaching materials, HIV treatment, leadership training, emergency food relief, clean water and income-generating activities. We respect each community’s desire for self-determination by listening sensitively in order to facilitate effective, human-scale improvements without ethnic or religious discrimination.

Our History

FPB was established in 1999 as the Burma People’s Relief Group by Hal Nathan, at the time Senior Portfolio Advisor at Seneca Capital Management. A practicing Buddhist, Hal traveled to many countries in Asia, including Burma. After meeting and listening to the stories of many in Burma as well as refugees that had fled across its borders, Hal knew that building a small, nimble organization, staffed primarily by local Burmese people, would truly foster needed change at the community level.

Our first projects focused on aid for refugees living on the Thai border. Since then, FPB has had the great fortune of expanding the number of projects, the breadth of their scope, and the depth of their impact. We currently operate with a small staff in San Francisco, dozens of Burmese partners and countless volunteers in the U.S. and Asia.

FPB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID number 94-3375666. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.