PROJECT NOMINATIONS

ATCF members have the power to shape the future of conservation. By nominating projects, you help elevate community-led organizations protecting the places, cultures, and ecosystems that make travel meaningful. Your voice brings extraordinary work into the spotlight, connecting local changemakers to a global network of support. Together, we identify and fund the most impactful initiatives each year, transforming shared purpose into lasting, on-the-ground impact for people and the planet.

Nominate a project

NOMINATIONS PROCESS

We invite all ATCF member companies (base level and higher), to nominate up to TWO outstanding conservation projects that align with our funding criteria. These can be organizations you already work with or projects you believe deserve greater visibility and support. Your nomination gives these changemakers a powerful opportunity to access meaningful funding and join a global network of conservation leaders.

Each nominated organization will be formally invited to submit a grant proposal ranging from $10,000–$20,000. From there, ATCF staff, our Board of Directors, and technical advisors carefully review every application to identify the most impactful and viable projects. The final shortlist is then shared with our members for voting, ensuring our collective voice directs where funding goes. The projects with the most votes receive grant support.

    • Intersects tourism and at least two of the three focus areas: biodiversity protection; climate resilience; community resilience

    • Clearly articulates the root cause of the issue/problem and how the project addresses it

    • Demonstrates measurable and sustainable impacts

    • Collaborates with the local community, and is driven by local stakeholders. “Community” includes local towns, regional communities and/or other NGOs working in the area

  • Projects that are prioritizing efforts in biodiversity preservation and rehabilitation while ensuring the long-term protection of travel destinations. Funding is awarded based on alignment with these three pillars: Biodiversity Protection, Climate Resilience & Community Resilience.

    Read more about our FUNDING CRITERIA

  • Local grassroots & indigenous communities, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations in biodiverse destinations around the world. Types of organizations applying for funding may include conservation groups, indigenous people groups, tour operators, accommodations, and other nonprofits.

  • We offer support to communities in adventure travel destinations worldwide. Our dedication to funding initiatives across the globe reflects our belief in the power of grassroots efforts and innovative solutions to address pressing challenges and drive meaningful progress in diverse regions and cultures.

    • Project Nominations: March 2-20, 2026

    • Application Period: March 30- April 15, 2026

    • Voting Period: June 29 - July 27, 2026

    • Grant Winners Announced: August, 2026

    • Funding Awarded: December, 2026

ENGAGE YOUR TEAM IN THE NOMINATIONS PROCESS

Project nominations are a powerful way to involve your entire staff in your ATCF membership. Inviting your team into this process helps them:

  • Understand why your company is part of the ATCF and how their work connects to real-world conservation impact

  • Sparks meaningful conversations, surfaces great ideas for organizations and projects you may already support, and builds a stronger culture of purpose across your company.

  • Empowers your staff to be part of something bigger - helping decide where collective industry resources are invested to protect the places they care about.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT TOOLKIT