About the EKR Foundation

The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization inspired by the life of psychiatrist, humanitarian and hospice pioneer, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. The Foundation was founded one year after Elisabeth’s death in 2005 by her son, Ken Ross. Over the course of the last 17 years, EKR Foundation chapters have been created on four continents. They continue her mission to develop hospice, palliative care, and grief support. In 2019, most of Kübler-Ross’ archives were donated to Stanford University which will create a digital library to make her papers available to the public.

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, author of the seminal book, “On Death and Dying” published 24 books, in 44 languages including: Arabic, Armenian, Bahasa, Farsi, Malayalam, Mongolian, and Urdu. In her expansive body of work, she discussed care and support for the seriously ill, their families, the grieving and all who struggle with the effects of loss. Over 10 million copies of her books have been sold. Though Elisabeth is often described as the “death and dying lady” or the “creator of the Five Stages” she often referred to herself as the “life and living lady”.

It is in the spirit of embracing all of life, which includes death and grief, that we further the mission and vision of Elisabeth through the work of the Foundation that bears her name.

Vision: We envision a world where all people and their families can have a dignified life even when approaching death and facing grief; a life where they are supported with compassion while dying and grieving by family, friends, the community, and healthcare providers who embrace all of life, which includes death and loss.

Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to enhance compassionate care for the seriously ill and the dying and to further the acceptance of death as a part of life (and not as a separate event distinct from life) through our work in partnering, supporting, and providing palliative and grief resources and education in compassionate care.

Statement of organizational values: Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:

Inclusiveness: We respect people, value diversity and are committed to equality.

Dignity: We consider it important to ensure dignity of the individual in all of life, including end of life and when dying.

Participation: We value and recognize the contribution of everyone within organizations and communities as partners in palliative and end of life care.

Quality: We strive for excellence through continuous improvement.

Openness: We are committed to a culture of teamwork and collaboration.

The Foundation participates in initiatives and collaborates with individuals and/or organizations that:

  • Enhance compassionate care for the seriously ill, the dying, and/or the grieving
  • Furthers the acceptance of death as a part of life (versus those that see death as a separate event apart from life)
  • Enhance end-of-life care for special populations (such as those involved in hospice or palliative care for children, within the prison environment, or those living in remote populations or in developing countries, etc.)
  • Improves access to properly prescribed pain management as part of the end of life process
  • Enhance communication surrounding all aspects of end of life care and compassionate care of the dying and the grieving (and those that love them)
  • Foster awareness of the power of unconditional love and forgiveness as an important component of one’s life journey
  • Enhance compassion and understanding of those who are grieving regardless of cause or origin
  • Further the wishes of the end of life patient while respecting his or her right to humane treatment and compassionate care
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Statement:
The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Dr. Kübler-Ross’s pioneering contributions to the fields of death and dying, bio ethics, hospice as well as grief and loss have touched lives around the world, and we believe that embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity are essential to continuing her impactful legacy.
Diversity: We recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience, encompassing a spectrum of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our foundation values diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and socioeconomic status. By embracing diversity, we honor the unique journeys of individuals and communities, amplifying diverse voices and experiences in our efforts to support those facing end-of-life and their loved ones.
Equity: We are committed to upholding principles of fairness, justice, and equality for all. We believe that every individual deserves equal access to resources, opportunities, and support, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our foundation works to eliminate discrimination, bias, and systemic barriers that may hinder individuals from accessing compassionate end-of-life care and support services. We strive to create a level playing field where everyone has the opportunity to live and die with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Inclusion: We believe that inclusion is the cornerstone of a thriving and supportive community. Our foundation is dedicated to creating spaces where all individuals feel valued, respected, and included. We actively cultivate an inclusive culture that embraces diversity, encourages open dialogue, and fosters collaboration. We welcome and affirm the identities and lived experiences of all members of our community, recognizing that each person brings unique strengths and perspectives to our collective mission.
As stewards of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s legacy, we are committed to upholding these principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. By fostering a culture of belonging and respect, we honor Dr. Kübler-Ross’s vision of a world where individuals can navigate the end-of-life journey with dignity, compassion, and support, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

 

The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation achieves its goals through participating in the provision of the following:

  • Connection and collaboration (individually or through large scale partnership opportunities)
  • Advocacy Support (including participation in legislative issues)
  • Resources (including the sharing of Elisabeth’s published work)
  • Education (via technology, professional educational forums/presentations and through community engagement initiatives)
  • Support (through our network of resources we act as conduits for compassionate care)
  • Developing international EKR Foundation chapters that continue Elisabeth’s teachings in keeping with local needs, customs, and focus on under-served populations.

The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation works internationally as her message was universal, crossing and including multiple cultural, religious, and multidisciplinary fields. As of 2023, the EKR Foundation has international chapters in the following countries: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, France, Guatemala, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore Switzerland and Uruguay. Several new chapters are in development.

Please follow us on Instagram at: #elisabethkublerrossfoundation

Our latest tax form 990 has been filed in accordance with federal and Arizona state regulations and is available upon request.

Translate