The Intrepid Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of Intrepid Travel, has recorded its biggest year of global giving, disbursing AUD $3.4 million to 58 grassroots organisations across 45 countries in 2025, according to its newly released 2025 Impact Report.
The milestone marks a significant moment for the organisation, which also surpassed AUD $20 million in total funds distributed since its establishment in 2002.
Funded by more than 16,000 donors, including nearly 10,000 Intrepid travellers, the Foundation’s 2025 contributions supported community-led initiatives addressing food security, environmental protection, refugee support and economic development in destinations around the world.
Biheng Zhang, General Manager, The Intrepid Foundation said: “The Intrepid Foundation operates on the belief that no one understands a community’s challenges better than the people on the ground, working with local organisations every day. The impact we achieved in 2025 was made possible by these remarkable and resilient individuals quietly leading change in their communities, alongside the generosity and connection our global travel community has shown to the places they visit.”
The Foundation follows a locally led, trust-based funding model, with Intrepid’s regional teams identifying community partners in the destinations where the company operates. Many of these organisations are connected to communities visited on Intrepid trips, helping travellers develop a deeper connection to the places they explore.
Global community impact
Projects supported in 2025 included:
- Jordan: Partner Ezwitti provided more than 91,000 meals to people experiencing food insecurity.
- Sri Lanka: Environmental organisation ZeroPlastic established a new ZeroPlastic Impact Centre, supporting local artisans producing plastic alternatives.
- Greece: NGO partner AMURTEL hosted more than 1,800 maternal support groups for refugee and migrant mothers.
The year also saw the Foundation expand its global partner network, onboarding six new organisations including:
- Ezwitti in Jordan
- Scholars of Sustenance in Indonesia
- National Parks Conservation Association in the U.S
- Monteverde Conservation League in Costa Rica
- Tasuleasa Social Association in Romania
Tourism’s role in community impact
The growth of The Intrepid Foundation highlights a broader trend within the travel industry, with travellers increasingly seeking ways for their holidays to create positive social and environmental impact.
Through its partnership model, Intrepid integrates community support into its travel experiences, aligning each of its 900+ itineraries with a local or global partner organisation and enabling travellers to contribute directly during their trips.
Looking ahead
In 2026, The Intrepid Foundation aims to raise AUD $4.3 million, as it moves towards its long-term ambition of becoming a $10 million foundation by 2030.
The organisation also plans to add close to 20 new partners, expanding its global network of community organisations working across environmental protection, economic empowerment and social equity.
