The Intrepid Foundation Gains 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status in U.S.

The Intrepid Foundation, the nonprofit arm of small group tour operator Intrepid Travel, has officially been registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — an important milestone in the foundation’s journey to make a positive impact around the world.

The designation grants The Intrepid Foundation tax-exempt status, making donations from Americans tax-deductible. This strengthens the nonprofit’s position as a platform through which travelers and travel advisors can give back directly to destinations.

Since being founded in 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has dispersed more than $14 million to over 160 partner organizations around the world. The nonprofit has supported causes ranging from sustainability initiatives to promoting gender equality and other community-strengthening projects, working with vetted NGOs to deliver measurable impacts to the destinations travelers visit.

The announcement follows Intrepid Travel’s pledge to support Indigenous tourism in Canada through a $500,000 (CAD) investment, to be issued over a five-year period.

“Today’s travelers want more than a great itinerary, they want their trips to mean something,” said Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel and chair of the board for The Intrepid Foundation U.S. “As advisors look for ways to stand out in a crowded market, purpose and impact are becoming part of the sales conversation. This gives them a trusted way to connect great travel with positive change.”