Samatha meditation classes and courses in North America are offered under the auspices of the Samatha Foundation of North America, a 501(c)(3) religious charity based in Chicago, IL. The Foundation’s purpose is to support, foster and advance the teachings and practices of Buddhism in North America, and especially the tradition of Samatha meditation as taught by Nai Boonman Poonyathiro, a Thai former monk who introduced it to the West in 1962 while living in the UK. Amongst other things, the Foundation provides logistical and financial support for Samatha meditation groups, courses and events in North America.

The Samatha Foundation of North America is an independent organization, not formally associated with the Samatha Trust, the organizing body for Samatha teaching in the UK, Ireland, and Europe.