Travelers' Philanthropy Handbook - Center for Responsible Travel

Explain to travelers how their donation will be used, with some practical and tangible examples.For example, $25 will fund one cataract operation and restore a persons' sight; $10 will pay forone school desk, made by the local carpenter; $50 will buy enough reading materials to supplyan entire school class.It may be preferable for a tour company to offer a system by which travelers can make securedonations after the project visit, rather than having travelers leave small amounts at the project.These on-the-spot donations can be frittered away on day-to-day needs, rather thanaccumulated towards a bigger goal. Companies may wish to offer an incentive to travelers todonate via their travelers’ philanthropy program. For example, The Intrepid Foundation, thetravelers’ philanthropy initiative of the small-group adventure operator, Intrepid Travel, matchestravelers’ donations dollar for dollar -- up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$400,000 forall donations received in each financial year (at time of print).• ConclusionTravel companies make a difference in the world, and especially in the places they visit, byengaging staff and clients in travelers’ philanthropy activities. Philanthropy can enrich the livesof travelers, company employees, and company owners while fostering more support forcommunities in great need. Aim high, but be realistic and avoid committing beyond yourpersonal or corporate capacity. And always keep this one rule in mind - do what is in the bestlong-term interests of the beneficiary communities.166