The Intrepid Foundation has hit a major milestone, disbursing more than AU$20 million to community partners worldwide since its launch in 2002.
The philanthropic arm of Intrepid Travel says this achievement reflects over two decades of turning travellers’ curiosity into meaningful, lasting change.
Since its inception, the Foundation has supported 163 partners across 73 countries, funding projects that protect wildlife, improve healthcare, strengthen communities, advance gender equality and champion environmental sustainability.
Today, it works with 54 impact partners in more than 40 countries, leveraging donations from Intrepid travellers, corporate partners, team members and long-term supporters.
Recent campaigns underline its global footprint. The 2024 Morocco Earthquake Appeal raised over AU$600,000, delivering 108 tonnes of emergency supplies to almost 3,900 families. Meanwhile, the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk has contributed over AU$1.5 million since 2018, supporting frontline work rescuing children from human trafficking and breaking cycles of poverty in Vietnam. Porters in Tanzania, Nepal and Peru have also benefited, with AU$37,845 disbursed in 2019 through The Porters Collective to improve pay and working conditions.
The Foundation also responded swiftly during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing AU$146,000 to UNICEF Australia’s “Give the World a Shot” campaign, which funded more than 28,000 vaccines. It follows an untied funding model, giving partners flexibility to direct donations where they are needed most, ensuring community-led projects deliver long-term results.
Fundraising events remain central to its strategy. The Blue Dragon Marathon Walk alone raised AUD $422,000 in its latest edition.
Looking ahead, the Foundation will disburse more than AU$700,000 in 2025 grants to 16 grassroots initiatives, expanding its support for local, high-impact projects. Guided by insights from Intrepid’s 32 global offices, the Foundation aims to align philanthropic efforts with travel experiences, proving tourism can leave a positive footprint that stretches far beyond the journey itself.
“This milestone is a testament to the generosity of our global travel community and Intrepid’s belief that travel can create positive impact,” The Intrepid Foundation General Manager Biheng Zhang said.
“We’re proud to work closely with our partners to address important causes such as gender equality, conservation and community-building.
“In a world with so much uncertainty, the need for philanthropic spirit and kindness only grows, and it’s inspiring to reflect on the way the Intrepid Foundation community has rallied together over the years to drive collective impact on a global scale.”
In July, Intrepid Travel marked its first-ever global Intrepid Day with celebrations across 31 countries, spotlighting the power of purpose-led travel and the people behind it.
For more information on the Foundation, visit www.theintrepidfoundation.org.
