Hospice Education Institute is an independent organization, founded in 1985, which serves a wide range of individuals and organizations interested in improving and expanding hospice and palliative care throughout the United States and around the world. The Institute works to inform, educate, and support people seeking or providing care for the dying and the bereaved, or themselves coping with far advanced illness, or with loss. The Institute offers a number of programs and services, including HOSPICELINK; the Small Gift Program; Cooperative Education Grants; Inpatient Hospice Design Project; seminars; advice and assistance; as well as books and pamphlets.