Philanthropy
Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. - Philanthropic Initiatives
One of the pillars of ATA’s mission is to “contribute meaningfully to our world, our field and our community.” For this reason, we support several philanthropic organizations that speak to each of these arenas. We actively support non-profit organizations in the field of educational travel and study abroad. We contribute annually to a grassroots conservation organization in our community of Washington, DC. Finally, we work to raise awareness among our travelers and students about local entities in each of the countries in which we work around the world.
Our Field: Educational Travel and Study Abroad
Fund for Education Abroad (www.fundforeducationabroad.org)
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) was founded by ATA executives, who serve on its board, and is heavily supported financially by ATA. FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships.
Tourism Cares (www.tourismcares.org)
Tourism Cares has been the recipient of ATA contributions since 2004, and a team of ATA employees participates every year in their annual preservation activity. Tourism Cares was formed by the merger of the National Tourism Foundation, founded by the National Tour Association in 1982; and the Travelers Conservation Foundation, founded in 1999 by the United States Tour Operators Association. The resulting non-profit organization benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations through awarding grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; by presenting academic and service-focused scholarships to hospitality and tourism students; and by organizing volunteer efforts to restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation.
Our Community: Washington, DC and its Environs
Chesapeake Bay Foundation (www.cbf.org)
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the only independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated solely to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers. The CBF vision is that the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers, broadly recognized as a national treasure, will be highly productive and in good health as measured by water clarity, lack of toxic contaminants, and abundance of natural filters in the water and on the land.
Our World: The Countries in Which We Work
In our key destinations, we encourage our travelers to support the following organizations:
China: Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (www.bjchp.org)
Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP) is an independent Chinese non-profit organization registered in Beijing with a mission to support communities to protect their cultural heritage throughout China. CHP works with a small professional staff and a large number of volunteers to fight for the protection of China’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage in a time of rapid economic development and social change.
Italy: The Foundation for the Italian Environment (Fondo per L’ambiente Italiano) (www.fondoambiente.it/cosa-facciamo.asp)
The Foundation for the Italian Environment represents a number of historic properties throughout Italy. The organization raises funds to restore and preserve sites. It organizes restoration/conservation days in which members and local volunteers can participate, conferences on protecting local treasures, and education outreach programs.
Morocco: High Atlas Foundation (www.highatlasfoundation.org)
The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) was founded in 2000 by former Peace Corps volunteers as a way to build upon professional relationships and knowledge gained during their years of service for the continued benefit of the Moroccan people. HAF is led by a team of professional Moroccans and Americans, many of who have extensive development experience in Morocco. HAF is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a registered field office in Morocco.
New Zealand: Air Rescue Trust (www.airrescue.co.nz)
New Zealand’s landscape and terrain is diverse, ranging from pastoral flatland, rivers and shoreline to rugged alpine terrain and dense bush. In this environment, the speed and maneuverability characteristics of a Rescue Helicopter offers unique advantages and access over conventional land ambulances. Since 1989, thousands of people throughout Canterbury and the West Coast have been successfully flown by Air Rescue Trust from accident sites and hospitals to critical care units throughout the South Island and further afield.
On our study abroad programs (CET Academic Programs), we encourage our students and their parents to support the following organizations:
China: Hua Dan (www.hua-dan.org)
Hua Dan is a China-based social enterprise dedicated to enabling the personal, social and economic empowerment of China’s migrant and rural population through participation in and leadership of inspirational arts-based projects.
Italy: Addio Pizzi (http://www.addiopizzo.org/english.asp)
This Sicily-based organization works to generate grassroots resistance against the Mafia-backed extortion of local businesses.
Japan: Polaris Project (www.polarisproject.jp)
The Polaris Project is an organization that works to combat human trafficking.
Prague: Museum of Romani Culture (www.rommuz.cz)
This is a museum dedicated to the preservation of Romani cultural history. As such, it also aims to fight xenophobia and educate the public about Romani culture and heritage.
Syria: The Syria Trust for Development (www.syriatrust.org)
The Syria Trust for Development is a national non-governmental development organization, established in 2007 for the purpose of inspiring and enabling individuals and communities in Syria to shape their futures and realize their potential.
Vietnam: Smile Group (www.smilegroupvn.org)
Smile Group is an organization dedicated to assisting children who are affected with HIV/AIDS.
