Frequently Asked Questions

What types of projects will be funded? The ATCF grant program provides up to $15,000 in funding to grassroots organizations in destinations where tourism has a positive benefit on the community, culture, and landscape, and where:

  1. Projects engage local communities in conservation efforts to build climate resilience

  2. Tourism has, or may, compromise the sustainability/viability/integrity of the destination

  3. The project protects the environmental and/or cultural integrity of the destination

Click here to learn more about the ATCF Grant Program Funding Criteria.

How much of my donation will be supporting projects versus operational expenses? Because of the generosity of the Adventure Leading Members, 100% of your member dues will go to projects. Our Adventure Leaders are ATTA, Backroads, Eagle Creek, ExOfficio, and REI Adventures. Explore all of ATCF’s members by clicking here!

What types of organizations can apply for project funding? Both nonprofits and for-profits will have the opportunity to apply. This may include tour operators, conservation groups, indigenous people groups, etc. Organizations applying must first be nominated by an ATCF member to begin the application process and be considered for funding.

How many projects will be funded? Two important variables will play a role in this. (1) The amount of membership/donor funding received and available for distribution that year, and (2) the proposed budget for each project. The final selection of projects that will be proposed to members for voting will have these factors considered. Explore all of ATCF’s funded projects by clicking here!

How much funding will be awarded to each project? ATCF's member companies represent a wide range of businesses that operate in remote destinations all over the world. Through their ATCF membership, these companies are investing in the conservation of unique natural and cultural resources of adventure travel destinations. ATCF's goal is to fund projects that will allow sustainable adventure tourism to grow into the future. We were pleased to fund three great projects in our first year, and have since grown the number of projects funded each year. To increase the number of funded projects each year we have to objectives. The first is to grow the number of projects funded through the ATCF by recruiting new companies to join the ATCF. Adding new companies to our membership will grow the grant fund and allow us to support more projects. The second objective to fund more projects is to reduce the maximum grant requests that the ATCF board will consider to USD 15,000. The ATCF board may consider grant requests up to $20,000 on a case-by-case basis. Groups interested in applying for more than $15,000 must first get approval from ATCF's Executive Director.  

Do I have to be a member of the ATTA to be a member of the ATCF? No, you do not need to be a member of the ATTA. Our membership dues are separate. 

How is the ATTA involved in the ATCF? The ATTA led the development and has been a thought leader in the creation of the ATCF. ATTA is one of five original Adventure Leaders.  The operations, accounts, financials, members, etc. remain completely separate from one another. The ATCF will have its own Governing Board, with the ATTA invited to be a Board Member.

What is required to be a member? You must be part of the travel supply chain and acknowledge your alignment with our value statement. Click here to learn more about becoming a member!

How do I apply for membership with ATCF? Membership forms should be completed by the organization applicant and submitted to ATCF for review and approval. Click here to view the ATCF membership application!

How much is membership and what is the process for payment? 

  • Adventure Leaders - $25,000+ per year for a minimum of three years

  • ATCF Members - $500 per million in revenue per year

All members are encouraged to give more than their minimum membership fee requirement. After membership applications have been processed and approved, ATCF will contact your organization’s primary point person with an invoice for payment.

Is the ATCF eligible for charitable contributions? The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) is a 501(c)3 public charity. Your donation and membership dues are tax deductible. The ATCF is exempt from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)3. Donors can deduct contributions they make to the ATCF under IRC Section 170.

Is the ATCF a 1% for the Planet non-profit? Yes! The ATCF is proud to be a part of the 1% for the Planet network, which connects businesses and nonprofits to protect the planet. If you own a business, consider joining 1% for the Planet, naming the ATCF as your beneficiary. Everyone wins! For more information please visit: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.

I am ready to give money! What do I do? Go online to www.atconservationfund.org and complete the membership form.

What do I get for being a member of ATCF? The ATCF has consciously designed this nonprofit to be an avenue for the entire travel industry to come together and support projects that will benefit the future of tourism. With this in mind, regardless of the level of membership dues, all members will receive the same primary benefits.

  • Recognition as an organization that values the protection of tourism’s resources

  • Ability to vote on the final selection of projects to be awarded funding

  • Nominate an organization for project funding

  • Use of ATCF logo