Who are we?

Since Geoff Manchester and Darrell Wade started Intrepid Travel way back in '89, they have honoured a commitment to contribute back to the communities where it operates. As the company grew, so did this support and they have had a huge level of support from travellers for the projects they endorse. And so, to ensure clear accountability and ongoing support into the future Intrepid Travel began The Intrepid Foundation Incorporated in 2002 with a contribution of AU$200,000. Although Intrepid Travel provides support for The Foundation, they are now separate entities, allowing The Foundation to grow independently.

All donations made to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to the value of AU$300,000 per year and for a maximum of AU$5,000 total per donor for the financial year.

There are two parts to The Intrepid Foundation: The Intrepid Community Project Fund and The Intrepid Perpetual Support Fund account...

The Intrepid Community Project Fund

Donations to this fund go to the grassroots work of non-government organisations based in Intrepid Travel's operating areas and identified as making a valuable contribution to the local community. These include many small organisations or projects that you may visit during your Intrepid trip.
The Intrepid Community Project Fund is managed by The Intrepid Foundation Incorporated, established under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Victoria, Australia), to maximise funds raised and disbursed to suitable beneficiary organisations and projects. The Intrepid Foundation Incorporated has an elected Committee of Management which includes several individuals experienced in international aid and the not-for-profit sector and is independent from the management of Intrepid Travel. The Committee of Management meets quarterly and ensures all organisations and projects are assessed and monitored according to approved criteria. Our accounts are audited by an external, independent auditor.

The Intrepid Perpetual Fund

The Intrepid Perpetual Fund is now run by The Intrepid Foundation Ltd. It is a registered charity in Australia and therefore offers tax deductibility. Grants are approved by the TIFL board and disbursed annually.
All donations made to this account are equally divided each year: half is retained in the account to conserve and grow capital for the future and half into an annual grants pool provided to a number of well known and respected international non-government organisations. Both of these components are, of course, matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar up to the value of AU$300,000 per year and for a maximum of AU$5,000 total per donor for the financial year.
Retaining 50 % of the donation, and hence growing the capital base of the account over time, allows projects in future years to be funded from the interest and other growth achieved. This means your donation will go much further than its original value.
The Intrepid Foundation Limited is a registered DGR public fund. Donations are tax deductible for Australian tax payers.
To donate please contact us.

Amnesty International Australia - Part of a world-wide movement campaigning against human rights abuses. The following are the current beneficiary organisations of the Intrepid Perpetual Support Fund account. For more information on each one please click on the organisation name...
Australian Conservation Foundation - Asia Pacific Program - inspiring people to achieve a healthy environment.
Childwise, ECPAT - Working for the prevention of child sex tourism.
Medecins Sans Frontiers - Providing health care to Burmese refugees in refugee camps in Thailand.
Plan - Support for their Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program in Indonesia.
The Fred Hollows Foundation - Working in partnership with Cambodian eye health services to improve access and affordability of eye care for all Cambodians.
WWF - TRAFFIC - Working to stop the illegal trade in threatened wildlife in Indochina.
Greenpeace - Working with local communities of the Amazon to prevent rainforest destruction and achieve sustainable environmental practices.
WSPA - World Society for the Protection of Animals - Working worldwide through local animal protection agencies.
TreeProject - Based in Melbourne, are working towards planting more Australian indigenous trees

Administration costs for both funds are entirely funded by Intrepid Travel and 100% of public donations will reach the nominated program or project.

Our Purpose

The Intrepid Foundation facilitates support for organisations that work to improve the following, in the areas visited by Intrepid Travel:

- health care,

- education,

- human rights,

- child welfare,

- sustainable development,

- environmental protection,

- animal welfare and wildlife protection.

Our Values

We have respect for all people, cultures and the environment.

We work to understand the different needs and contexts of the communities with whom we work.

We behave with integrity and honesty

Our Approach

The Intrepid Community Project Fund favours supporting grassroots projects operated by locally registered non-profit organisations.

The Intrepid Perpetual Support Fund favours supporting a selection of well known and respected international non-government organisations.

Our support of organisations is achieved through fund-raising and the education of travellers.

The administrative costs for both funds are entirely funded by Intrepid Travel and 100% of public donations will reach the nominated project or fund.

Intrepid Travel offers a donation matching incentive.

We are transparent and open in our processes and communications.

We prefer to support organisations that are non-political and not primarily established to serve a religious purpose.

Our support is usually for the medium term - at least two to three years.

We aim to raise the self reliance and skill base of the communities.