Donations from thousands of generous travellers have helped The Intrepid Foundation give more than AUD$3 million to good causes so far, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Set up by Intrepid Travel in 2002 to help its passengers and staff support vital community projects around the world, The Intrepid Foundation has donated funds to more than 40 good causes in over 20 countries, ranging from education of children in Tanzania to nutritional programmes in Peru and promotion of women's rights in Timor-Leste.

The Intrepid Foundation also makes donations to international non-government organisations (NGOs) including PLAN, Amnesty International, Medecins Sans Frontieres and Greenpeace, one-off grants to environmental and social causes, and donations to emergency appeals following floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

A survey of The Intrepid Foundation's donors found that six in ten gave money because they'd travelled to the country where their chosen project was based. Annie, a donor from Australia said: "Sometimes it isn't until one visits countries that we realise just how lucky we are and how much others need our support and help."

An anonymous donor who was inspired to give after visiting a community project while travelling with Intrepid said: "It was an eye opener visiting workshops where people with significant disabilities were working hard and creating beautiful artwork. It's easy for me to give a small amount a month and know that it will make a difference to the people who receive it."

Geoff Manchester, Managing Director of Intrepid Travel, said: "People who travel off the beaten track often see first-hand the difficulties that communities less fortunate than their own face. By donating to local charities and community organisations, travellers can give something back to the people and places they've been privileged to visit, and make a real and sustainable difference."

The Intrepid Foundation is an independent charitable foundation, but Intrepid Travel matches all contributions* and pays administration costs so that 100% of each donation reaches good causes. More than eight in ten donors surveyed by Intrepid said this was the biggest influence on their decision to donate.