How to Build Meaningful Philanthropic Partnerships in Travel
Earlier this month, our member session ‘Building Meaningful Philanthropic Partnerships’ explored how travel businesses can move beyond ad-hoc donations to build deep, values-driven relationships with charitable partners. The conversation, led by Caliopy Glaros, founder of Philanthropy Without Borders, unpacked what positive philanthropic partnerships looks like in practice and what it takes to ensure our giving creates lasting, measurable impact.
Joining Caliopy were three of our members who are leading by example:
Dinesh Hewavitharana, General Manager at ÀNI Private Resorts, Sri Lanka
Charlie Darlington, Sustainability & Nature Positive Lead at Scott Dunn
Henry Comyn, Co-Founder and Managing Director at JORO, and Co-Founder of The Conscious Travel Foundation.
Each shared open and practical reflections from their own journeys of integrating philanthropy into their business strategy, highlighting both the successes and the lessons learned along the way.
Here are five key takeaways from the session that we believe every travel business can learn from:
1. Redefine Philanthropy as Partnership, Not Charity
Philanthropy is most impactful when it is collaborative. As Caliopy shared, meaningful giving begins with listening. Businesses should engage their prospective partners early, co-design initiatives, and ensure communities are decision-makers in their own development. Before funding a project, ask: Is this addressing a need identified by the community? and How will local people remain involved long after our support ends?
When we approach philanthropy as partnership rather than charity, we create the conditions for long-term impact and mutual growth.
2. Align Philanthropy with Your Brand Purpose
Dinesh, speaking from ÀNI Sri Lanka, highlighted how philanthropy becomes more sustainable when it is embedded in a company’s DNA. ÀNI Private Resorts fund and operate the ÀNI Art Academies and their ÀNI for Education programme, providing free art education to nurture careers in art, supporting students through vocational training and creating a pipeline for careers in hospitality. Talking about their work with the Tallala Vocational Training Institute, Dinesh spoke about how, based on the success of the initiative in Tallala, they now plan on replicating the project in the nearby town of Galle. The model works because it aligns with the company’s purpose: celebrating community, culture and creativity.
Consider how your own philanthropic partnerships can mirror your mission, values, and core offering, rather than existing as separate initiatives.
3. Prioritise Transparency and Two-Way Communication
Charlie from Scott Dunn shared that transparency is key to building trust, both with charitable partners and within your business. Start by being open about what resources you can realistically commit, and make reporting a shared process, not a one-sided request.
Regular updates, open feedback loops, and joint storytelling help ensure accountability while celebrating progress. When partnerships operate with mutual respect and visibility, both sides grow stronger.
4. Work Together to Scale Your Impact
Henry from JORO emphasised the power of collaboration across the travel industry. By pooling knowledge and aligning efforts, businesses can create larger, systemic change. He encouraged members to see philanthropy as a shared journey rather than a solo act. Partnering with other travel companies, NGOs, or community-led networks multiplies both resources and impact.
When we collaborate, we amplify what is possible and help create the kind of transformation our sector is capable of. That’s what The Conscious Travel Foundation’s is all about.
5. Put Rigorous Due Diligence in Place
If opting to set up your own long-term charitable partnership, be aware of the due diligence required and the ongoing impact measurement. Take time to verify governance, financial accountability, and put into place agreements on reporting and feedback. This protects both your business and the community you’re supporting. Due diligence includes reviewing an organisation’s track record, confirming legal registration, understanding how decisions are made locally, and understand potential risks.
From Insight to Action
The full recording of Building Meaningful Philanthropic Partnerships is now available for members to watch in the Member Portal.
If you need expert support in structuring or assessing a partnership, you can connect directly with Caliopy Glaros and her team at Philanthropy Without Borders for consulting guidance and training.
If you’re looking to explore how philanthropic partnerships can strengthen your impact strategy and what forms they can take, we invite you to download our open source white paper: Navigating The Landscape: Models Of Philanthropy In Travel And Tourism.
All members of the Foundation contribute to our Philanthropy Programme through annual membership fees. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a member and supporting community-led projects with our community, please get in touch.
