A Taiwanese Buddhist charity that has become known for its rapid response to natural disasters is expanding its reach into the developing world, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Little-known in the West, Tzu Chi has become the largest charity in greater China, with 10 million regular donors and 2 million active volunteers. It raised $314-million in 2008 and has built dozens of schools, as well as responded to floods and mudslides and provided social services.

With offices in 47 countries, extending into Africa and the Americas, Tzu Chi is the first Asian Buddhist group to enter the Western-dominated field of international humanitarian relief.