The Tibet Poverty Alleviation Fund (TPAF), identifies and implements programs that assist in reducing poverty in rural Tibetan communities. TPAF's main objective is to develop local, hands-on programs throughout Tibet.

TPAF was established in 1997 by Arthur Holcombe and Sonam Pelmo as a nonpolitical, US non-governmental organization (NGO) with tax-exempt status. The Tibet Poverty Alleviation Fund (TPAF), focuses on vocational education, health clinics, and microfinance. They develop local, hands-on programs that reduce poverty in rural Tibetan communities.

Since 1997, TPAF has worked in seven townships of Lhoka and Nakchu Prefectures:
1. In Lhoka Prefecture; a mixed farming region located in South-Central Tibet, TPAF has programs in villages of Lhayu, Changji and Tachi Townships.
2. In Nakchu Prefecture; a predominantly nomadic livestock region in North-Central Tibet, TPAF has programs in villages of Yutse, Serchen, Takring and Ani Townships.

TPAF understands that successful poverty alleviation programs are built in collaboration with local Tibetan speaking officials who are knowledgeable about and connected with the Tibetan communities being assisted. They launched a number of projects designed to demonstrate to local TAR Government how Tibet's economic and social services in rural areas can be strengthened to improve Tibetan livelihood and welfare. TPAF has also introduced projects that demonstrate the importance of Tibetan entrepreneur development and vocational skills training in selected urban areas. One of TPAF's founders has has a Ph. D. in Economics and was Resident Coordinator of all UN Operational Activities in China for six years while working on microfinance and other poverty alleviation programs.

The Sustainable Village is working with TPAF to install solar lighting and improved heating systems in small Tibetan clinics. For more information see TPAF's site.