The 2015 Nepal earthquake, also known as the Gorkha earthquake, struck on April 25, 2015, with a magnitude of 7.8. Its epicenter was located near Barpak, in the Gorkha District, about 77 kilometers northwest of the capital, Kathmandu. The earthquake caused widespread devastation across Nepal, resulting in nearly 9,000 deaths and more than 21,000 injuries. It also left over 700,000 homes damaged or destroyed. The destruction of infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, hampered relief efforts.

The Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund was set up to directly aid victims, inspired and facilitated by Nepali students at the graduate program of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy who had participated in Blakeley Fellowship programs, and by Nepalis living in the Boston area who wanted to get funds to the victims quickly. Partnering with organizations Deerwalk Social Welfare Network and Empower Dalit Women of Nepal (EDWON), relief workers recorded their experiences in regular updates from the ground, sharing insights and observations and communicating urgent needs as they carried out the work of rebuilding their country.