Community Impact Fund
Our Community Impact Fund is funded by membership fees from our travel designer, tour operator, marketing and consultant members, alongside funds raised by events and donations. Driven by our Member Directed Giving and nominations from our community, we select two beneficiaries per annual award cycle to receive a comprehensive award spanning three years. The award comprises a three-year grant, membership benefits and vital networking support. Read on to find out more about the past beneficiaries of our Community Impact Fund, and our ongoing impact.
Community Impact Fund Projects
Fundación Green Apple, Colombia
Nominated by: Blue Apple
Fundación Green Apple is transforming waste into opportunity. Set to become Cartagena’s primary glass recycling centre, Fundación Green Apple will be processing over 100 tons of glass monthly from the city’s tourism sector. The project will also be launching artisanal glass training, carbon-neutral brick production, and laying the foundation for Colombia’s first zero-waste island. Over the next two years, the project will create at least five jobs and train 100+ hospitality businesses in sustainable waste management. Glass sand will be commercialised, with 10% donated for environmental initiatives such as reef and mangrove restoration.
Adapting Aotearoa, New Zealand
Nominated by: Ahipara
Led by the Makingtrax Foundation, the Adapting Aotearoa project is set to revolutionise adaptive cycling in New Zealand’s South Island. Spearheaded by Jezza Williams, a trailblazer in inclusive tourism and adaptive adventure, this project is a direct response to his vision of making adventure truly accessible to all. The Community Impact Fund will facilitate the purchase of two Bowhead Rogue adaptive e-assist mountain bikes, paving the way for inclusive cycling tours. As part of the project, Makingtrax will be developing partnerships with tour operators and local businesses, refining itineraries and ensuring safe, adaptive experiences — laying the foundation for a long-term shift towards inclusive adventure tourism across the region.
Phaplu Mountain Bike Club, Nepal
Spearheaded by TCTF mentor and member, Ang Tshering, Phaplu Mountain Bike Club are developing new economic opportunities through tourism for the youth of the Nepalese Himalayas. They are working towards building a new mountain biking industry in the region, with long-lasting economic and social benefits for this remote rural community. The Community Impact Fund will be invested in building a new centre, and providing training for Phaplu’s mountain biking professionals.
TransStories Brasilia, Brazil
TransStories Brasilia directly addresses gender equality and social inclusion for the Trans community, through offering alternative opportunities to marginalised women to gain meaningful employment in the travel sector by delivering guided walking tours — giving them a platform to share their stories and experiences with the world. The Community Impact Fund will be used to fund the first phase of the project.
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Virunga National Park, Congo
Recipient 2021
Past Recipients
Sol y Luna Foundation, Peru
Recipient 2022
Friends of Alalay, Bolivia
Recipient 2022
