Travelers' Philanthropy Handbook - Center for Responsible Travel

ooooOperating as a not-for-profit organization.Community-based in both aims and operation, i.e., community members are involved inthe planning, development, delivery, and/or evaluation of the work.Addressing a clearly identified need.Not primarily established to serve a religious purpose.Our selection criteria also evaluate the degree to which the project and/or the organization orindividual managing it is:ooooooOpen and transparent in their decision making and financial management (they shouldbe happy to show us their budget and accounts).Able to demonstrate a cost effective method of operation.Accepted and respected in the local community.Focused on the poor and marginalized within the community (where applicable).Environmentally sustainable.Aimed at raising the self reliance and skill base of the communityWe work with the most suitable person in the organization, which may be the manager or theperson most involved with the area of the organization's work that is the most suitable for us tosupport.Some examples of organizations supported by The Intrepid Foundation (TIF) are:oBeijing Huiling, ChinaThis organization provides residential andeducation services at a center for people withdisabilities. Many Intrepid travelers to China visitthis center where they are given a calligraphy ormusic presentation by the residents, learn abouttheir needs, and may purchase handicrafts. TheIntrepid Foundation has raised more thanAU$35,000 for this NGO’s work.oSpring Bud Plan, ChinaLandmine community awareness class, Laos.Credit: UXO LaoThis organization helps girls who have dropped out of school to return to school. AlthoughIntrepid travelers do not visit an actual site, they see 'the issue' on the streets, i.e., young girlsselling roses at restaurants at 10pm. TIF has raised more than AU$56,000 for this organization,allowing 227 children to attend primary school. Our 2009 donation helped young victims of theSichuan earthquake to return to school.oUXO Lao, LaosThis is another organization that Intrepid travelers support, even though there is limited visitationto the project site. During their trip, travelers learn that more than 40% of Laos is stillcontaminated by landmines and unexploded ordinance (UXO). The donations given throughTIF support UXO Lao's community awareness education programs, specifically educatingchildren about the identification of and dangers of UXO. Over AU$30,000 has been raised.33