Frequently Asked Questions
DONATIONS
How can I make a donation?Donations made to the Planeterra Foundation can be made online through our website. Just click here or on the DONATE NOW button which can be found on each project page and you will be able to donate to the project or region of your choice.
Are there any administration costs?
Gap Adventures matches all donations dollar-for-dollar (up to $10,000 USD per project) and pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes to support Planeterra projects.
Can I get a tax receipt?
Planeterra is registered in Canada as a Not-for-Profit organization. As such we do not have a charitable tax number which is why we cannot issue tax-receipts to our donors ourselves. For this reason we support the work of several international charities that can issue tax receipts on our behalf. If you are a Canadian tax-payer and donate to any one of the following projects you will be issued a tax receipt directly from our charitable partners.
Wells of Hope - Water for Guatemala Project
Seva Canada - Give the Gift of Sight Project in Tibet
Plan Canada - Bolivia Health Project
Do you have an endowment fund?
Yes we do. By donating to our Endowment Fund, you will be helping to ensure that your donations go the extra mile. Gap Adventures started this Fund with an initial gift of $25,000. Along with contributions from donors, this fund will be held in ethical investments for a period of ten years with the purpose of ensuring long-term support of community development and conservation projects for years to come.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
How are the donations to each project distributed?Each year we work directly with local project managers and community leaders to identify their individual needs. Resources are then delivered on an annual basis in the form of funds and/or needed supplies that may be delivered in person by a Gap Adventures tour leader and group.
How does project selection work?
There a number of ways that we choose to work with the projects we support. Some are a result of long-standing relationships with communities that work in partnership with Gap Adventures to provide community-based tourism programs. Projects have also been identified by in-country staff as being valuable programs in destinations that Gap Adventures travels. Other projects approach us in search of support.
In order to be approved as a Planeterra supported project, each project manager or community leader must fill out an extensive application form and go through the application process including site-visits by a Planeterra representative (where possible).
Are there reporting guidelines for each project?
Within 4 months of receiving support from Planeterra, each project is required to provide Planeterra with receipts and any other available proof for the use of all funds and materials; a report with specific information about the use and impact of Planeterra’s support, as well as the progress of the project in general; photographs with information about what each photo shows; and testimonials from 2 to 5 people who have benefited from Planeterra support.
FUNDING & FUNDRAISING EVENTS
How is the Planeterra Foundation funded?First, Gap Adventures pays the salary of all Planeterra employees and all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes directly to our projects.
There are 5 main ways that our projects are funded:
Individual Donations – are made online by donors and are matched dollar-for-dollar by Gap Adventures (up to $10,000 USD per project)
Dollar-A-Day Program – provides travellers with the opportunity to donate one dollar per day for the duration of their Gap Adventures tour to Planeterra before travelling either by clicking the check box online, or by advising their travel agent at the time of booking a trip
Volunteer Tours – include a donation amount that goes directly to our projects
Fundraising Events – are organized around the world by us and third party event organizers
Corporate Partnerships – is an avenue that we are just beginning to explore by developing partnerships with like-minded companies that are committed to social corporate responsibility
If I have a great fundraising idea, can I organize my own event?
Absolutely! If you are interested in organizing a fundraising event to help support our programs please let us know and we will provide you with as much information and support as possible for the project you wish to fundraise for. Past supporters have helped by organizing mountain climbs, hikes, salsa nights and cross-country bike rides for Planeterra. Others have organized DJ music events, lemonade stands and just plain spreading the word by asking friends and family to donate to a great cause. Whatever your idea let us know and we’ll do all we can to help.
Does Gap Adventures match money raised through fundraising events?
Individual donations made to Planeterra are matched by Gap Adventures. Money raised through Planeterra fundraising events and third party events are not.
VOLUNTEERING
How can I volunteer?To see a list of all our volunteer tours, visit the ‘Voluntour’ section of our website. These tours are operated by Gap Adventures and are centered around Planeterra projects. Whether travelling with a group or independently, these tours will give you the opportunity to help improve the basic living conditions of the local people or participate in environmental conservation projects while having an unforgettable and meaningful cross-cultural experience. No training or special skills are required.
Can I visit a Planeterra project on my Adventures tour?
The majority of our projects can be visited on a Adventures tour. To find out if your trip has the option of visiting a Planeterra supported project, just download the ‘Trip Details’ from the Adventures website or free to contact us directly.
