GoPhilanthropic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GoPhilanthropic a Volunteer or Voluntourism Travel company?
Probably one of the biggest misconceptions about Travel Philanthropy is that it involves volunteering—it does not, yet we would be happy to refer you to programs and companies that do just that. Travel Philanthropy provides support for the empowerment of local communities through social, educational, health and environmental initiatives. This is accomplished when travelers learn about, visit and directly support these programs during their trips.

Is GoPhilanthropic a business or a charity?
We are a socially-conscious travel company--non-political, and non-religious. GoPhilanthropic represents a growing social entrepreneurial trend in the private sector –a hybrid whereby for-profit businesses encourage their consumers to support the non-profit sector, providing a much needed resource in sustainability for worldwide projects.

Our goals are to educate and connect travelers with innovative programs making a real impact on global issues. We firmly believe that before one can make an informed philanthropic effort, one must go, learn and see for oneself what is currently taking place in communities and villages around the world. We can then become partners in providing solutions to the challenges facing developing regions.

When I donate to an organization or a non-profit in a certain country, how do I know exactly where my donation is going?
You will know where it goes because you will see it for yourself. Through our Philanthropic travel programs, you can plan in advance to purchase and deliver directly through our partner NGOs tangible items such as:

• Water wells
• Portable Mobile Libraries (boxes containing 250 bilingual books)
• School supplies, furniture, or computers

In addition, in certain locations you can have the opportunity to meet in person

• Candidates for school scholarship
• Microloan/finance candidates

When you decide to contribute through any of the above, arrangements are made ahead of time with the non-profit managing the project and the contributions go directly to them. These contributions are kept entirely separate from the costs of your trip – we want you to see 100% of your donation going directly to the recipients/programs in these communities. Then during your travel you can spend an afternoon visiting and learning about the program and see first hand the importance of your contribution. It is our philosophy that once you are physically there to experience the full context of the region you are visiting, the challenges it faces, and the efforts being made to face these challenges, you will have a greater respect and understanding for the country, the people and its precious environment. In many cases, this Philanthropic element, while only lasting a few hours, ends up being the focal point of the trip. And for many it becomes less about what they offered, what they gave and more about what they received in exchange … one to one meaningful experiences with people around the world and more profound understanding and appreciation for what it means to have opportunity in life.

Isn’t Travel Philanthropy simply another form of hand-out / charity?
If not handled responsibly it certainly could be…and this would not represent a productive solution to the problems facing developing regions. We have carefully selected programs around the world aimed at self-sustainability mainly through education initiatives—from education in primary schools to educating women on how to develop and run their own businesses, to educating farmers in more sustainable organic farming techniques. The very heart of our ethos here at GoPhilanthropic focuses on support for humanity—this isn’t about charity, hand-outs or pity. It’s about providing opportunity.

One-sixth of the world still lives in extreme poverty and lack access to the most simple of basic needs – clean water and education. Once provided with access to this, people then start to work towards building a better future and begin to climb the economic ladder. We have attempted to align our partner projects with the Millenium Development Goals, which calls for global partnership to address the most critical issues of our time.

Can I book a tour through GoPhilanthropic without taking part in the Philanthropic elements?
Sure you can---and still feel good about it knowing that we donate 10% of our net profit back into the community programs around the world that we believe are making a difference. Also, we have allied ourselves with travel suppliers (ground operators and hotels) who have proven sustainable tourism practices including fair employment of a local workforce, and energy and environmental conservation best practices. The result is that the consumer’s travel dollar trickles through a system of distribution that is rooted in responsible efforts…and we offset your carbon emission door to door.

Does GoPhilanthropic book group tours or individual trips for vacationers?
We can do it all. We custom-build every itinerary – for individuals, couples, families, small and larger groups.