Intrepid foundation introduces 22 new NGO partners

Intrepid Travel’s not-for-profit entity is taking a new direction in 2023. With the appointment of a new General Manager and a suite of new NGO projects, The Intrepid Foundation will invest in more people and causes than ever before. 

The new partnerships bring the total number of Foundation projects to 36, the largest suite of projects in their 20+ year history. Their projects will now span every continent and cover issues that include conservation and wildlife, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, climate action, economic development, and emergency appeals.  

While Intrepid’s operations have always aimed to create a positive impact in the communities they visit, The Intrepid Foundation, which was set up in 1999 and has donated over NZD$12 million in the past 20 years, empowers travellers to deepen their impact and support economic, social, and environmental causes through donations, awareness, and traveller education.  

In December 2022, The Intrepid Foundation welcomed their new General Manager, Biheng Zhang, to grow the Foundation’s global reach and deepen the connection between Intrepid customers, local issues and partners.  

Zhang, who is based in the company’s global headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, has over 10 years of experience working across corporate social responsibility and philanthropy for many influential organisations.  

Related: The Intrepid Foundation launches Ukraine crisis appeal with Red Cross 

In the first quarter of 2023, the Foundation has not only brought on 22 new partners but has already raised NZD$329,000 for their recent Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Appeal, which includes matched donations from Intrepid. 

The new partnerships are the result of Intrepid’s local knowledge operating across 100+ countries around the world, which is considered one of Intrepid’s greatest assets.  

With 25 operations offices across six continents, Intrepid’s vertical integration means they not only operate a majority of their own tours but can tap into their local staff who know the societal and environmental issues that affect their communities best.  

Many of the new partners were sourced from their local team members and are primarily smaller, local organisations that would otherwise not receive international attention or support. 

New Partners Include: 

• Vun Art (Paired with Vietnam Discovery and other select Intrepid tours) 
• Gastromotiva (Paired with Real Mexico and other select Intrepid tours) 
• Patinaai Osim (Paired with Premium Kenya and other select Intrepid tours) 
• Greening Australia (Paired with Red Centre Explorer and other select Intrepid tours) 

See the full list of NGO partners at www.the intrepid foundation.org. Learn more on how Intrepid works with the Intrepid Foundation at https://www.intrepidtravel.com/intrepid-foundation. 

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.

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