By Geoff Percival,Stephen Aherne
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Intrepid Travel’s non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has reached a major milestone, disbursing over AU$20 million to impact partners across the globe over the last 23 years.
Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has supported 163 partners across 73 countries, funding projects that reflect its mission to create positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
The Foundation was established to offer travellers meaningful ways to give back to the communities they visit, supporting initiatives that protect the environment, safeguard wildlife, promote gender equality, improve healthcare and strengthen communities worldwide. Today, it supports 54 impact partners in more than 40 countries with donations from Intrepid travellers, team members, corporate partners and long-term supporters.
The AU$20m milestone was achieved after the success of the Foundation’s most recent fundraising event, the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk, which raised more than AU$422,000 for the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. The Foundation is on track to exceed Intrepid Travel’s 2025 disbursement target of $3 million, with fundraising goals embedded in business strategy to grow its impact alongside the company. In both 2023 and 2024, the Intrepid Foundation disbursed AU$2.6m.
General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation, Biheng Zhang, said: “This milestone is a testament to the generosity of our global travel community and Intrepid’s belief that travel can create positive impact. 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.”
Over the past 20 years, The Intrepid Foundation has launched major fundraising appeals to support communities impacted by natural disasters, including the 2015 Nepal Earthquake Appeal and 2024 Morocco Earthquake Appeal. It has also supported large fundraising campaigns such as the global Blue Dragon Walk which raises funds to support the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation to end human trafficking and Buffalo Bike Ride to fundraise for World Bicycle Relief providing purpose-built bicycles to people in isolated communities.
Guided by insights from Intrepid’s local teams in 32 offices worldwide, The Intrepid Foundation partners with organisations that know their communities best and can deliver the greatest impact where it matters most. It follows an untied funding model, meaning partners are trusted to direct donations where they’re needed most. This ensures funds raised support community-led initiatives and deliver long-term impact. In 2023, The Intrepid Foundation introduced a grant program to further support its partners to scale their impact. This year, it will disburse more than AU$700,000 worth of grants to 16 grassroots projects around the world.
