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No Administration Fees
All donations go directly to the projects.
There are no overheads, no deductions. The Foundation is managed by volunteer directors and supported by the World Expeditions finance team, allowing every dollar to reach the people and places that need it most.
Donations over $2 may be tax-deductible in Australia. Please consult your tax advisor. Check our listing on the ACNC Register World Expeditions Foundation Ltd | ACNC
Our Mission
To create long-term, community-led impact by supporting regenerative projects that align with our values and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of this mission, WETG brands donate the equivalent of AUD$5 on behalf of every traveller, and we’ve committed to having a regenerative project in every country we operate in by the end of 2030.
Our Board of Directors
We thank our volunteer board for generously contributing their time and expertise:
Sue Badyari
Chairperson
CEO of World Expeditions Travel Group; original WEF director.
Tim Macartney-Snape
Director
Mountaineer, founder of Sea to Summit and the Foundation for Humanity’s Adulthood; expedition leader since 1984; original WEF director.
Nicholas Kostos
Director
A long-standing member of the WETG leadership team; original WEF director.
Ian Williams
Director
With World Expeditions since 1992, working with schools and private groups; original WEF director.
Donna Lawrence
Director
Sustainability & Impact Manager for WETG, with the group since 2002; original WEF director.
Soren Kruse Ledet
Director
High-altitude guide with over 60 expeditions led across the Himalaya, Karakoram, Central Asia and South America
Sarah Higgins
Director
Brand Manager of World Expeditions, with the group since 2006; joined WEF in 2024.
History Timeline
World Expeditions Foundation (WEF) Ltd established
WEF is formed as the charitable arm of the World Expeditions Travel Group (WETG), with a mission to support sustainable community development and conservation in the regions we visit.
Read moreFoundation Laid
In its early years, WEF focused on establishing governance structures, identifying aligned project partners, and integrating the Foundation’s mission with the WETG’s values. This period laid the groundwork for long-term partnerships and responsible giving models that would shape future projects.
Read moreFirst Projects Funded
WEF funds its first community-led initiatives in Nepal and Peru, supporting local infrastructure, schools, and healthcare through long-term partnerships built on mutual trust.
Read moreExpansion into Southeast Asia and Africa
New partnerships are launched in Vietnam, Tanzania, and Borneo, with a focus on energy poverty, clean water access, and hygiene education.
Read moreNepal Earthquake Recovery Appeal
Following the devastating 2015 earthquake, WEF mobilises more than $250,000 in donations to deliver immediate relief and long-term reconstruction. Projects include rebuilding schools, health posts, and critical infrastructure in collaboration with local partners.
Read moreHealth and Education Initiatives Deepen
In 2018, project work expanded into Upper Mustang, one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions, supported by fundraising efforts led by Margie Thomas. These initiatives focused on improving women’s health, enhancing youth education, and strengthening school infrastructure. The work prioritised locally led solutions, helping to empower communities with long-term, sustainable outcomes tailored to their unique needs and environment.
Read moreMichael Parker Foundation
The Michael Parker Foundation was established to honour the life and values of Michael Parker, an Australian mountaineer, adventurer, and long-time World Expeditions client. After his passing in 2019, his estate made a significant bequest to the World Expeditions Foundation, enabling the continuation of his lifelong commitment to supporting remote communities through responsible travel. The funds were directed toward community-led education projects in Nepal; places Michael had a deep connection with through decades of trekking and climbing.
Read moreRegistered Charity with DGR Item 1 Status
WEF becomes an ACNC-registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Item 1 status, allowing Australians to make tax-deductible donations and expanding WEF鳠fundraising capacity.
Read moreLaunch of Regen 2030
To mark World Tourism Day (27 September 2022), WEF introduces Regen 2030, a commitment to deliver at least one regenerative project in every country we operate in by the end of 2030. Regen 2030 became a core component of WETG's regenerative travel journey. WETG brands donate the equivalent of AUD$5 on behalf of every traveller, aligning their responsible travel philosophy with measurable impact.
Read moreAppeals in Action: Lend a Hand & Grants 4 Ground Staff
WEF launches two targeted appeals to support local guides, porters and ground crew affected by the pandemic and natural disasters, ensuring critical continuity in destination-based livelihoods.
Read moreMorocco Earthquake Appeal
Rapid response fundraising supports affected communities following the Morocco earthquake, with funds directed toward recovery planning with local partners.
Read moreRegen 2030 Milestone
Regen 2030 continued to scale its impact, with standout community-based tourism and conservation projects in countries like Tanzania, where women were successfully integrated into the tourism supply chain, enhancing local livelihoods and resilience, as well as Bolivia, where a community-led initiative is working to restore the wetlands and detoxify Uru Uru Lake in the Oruro region.
Looking ahead, Regen 2030 aims to fund and deliver an additional 20 regenerative projects by the end of 2026.