Frequently Asked Questions

What types of projects will be funded? Projects that protect resources important to the future of the adventure travel industry. By Q1 2017, the ATCF will release specific criteria that project proposals must meet. This criteria will provide clear guidelines on which types of projects can apply for funding, and the expected impact these projects should achieve. The ATCF will have a Steering Committee which will help work with members in the industry to determine which projects are the most important to them.

How much of my donation will be supporting projects versus operational expenses? Because of the generosity of the Adventure Leading members, 100% of member dues will go to projects.

What types of organizations can apply for project funding? Both non profits 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 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.

How much funding will be awarded to each project? Potential projects are likely to be globally diverse grassroots projects with ATCF providing grants of $10,000 to $30,000.

When will project applications be accepted?  Proposed timeline:

• February 2017 - Project application process will open
• July 2017 - Project application deadline for organizations
• September 2017 - ATCF will announce project finalists  

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.

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 founding members.  The operations, accounts, financials, members, etc. remain completely separate from one another. The ATCF will have it’s 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 the ATTA’s Value Statement.

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. These forms will be available on the ATCF website at www.atconservationfund.org.

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

• Industry Leaders - $25,000+ per year for a minimum 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. DMOs will be asked to come in at $2,500 minimum.

Are my membership fees tax exempt? As of October 2016, the ATCF is currently in the application process with the federal government to be recognized as a 501(c)3. Part of this lengthy process requires ATCF to receive a “Letter of Determination” from the IRS. The ATCF expects to receive this letter by Q2 2017. If donations/membership payments are made prior to ATCF’s formal recognition as a 501(c)3, these may be immediately written off as a business expense. However, once ATCF receives the 501(c)3 accreditation, any payments previously made to ATCF may be recognized as tax exempt.

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 project that will benefit the future of tourism. With this in mind, regardless of 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 final selection of projects to be awarded funding
• Nominate an organization for project funding
• Use of ATCF logo