HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) has announced the launch of the HX Foundation, a dedicated charity supporting local communities and environmental initiatives in regions where the expedition cruise line operates. The foundation, which evolved from the Hurtigruten Foundation, is now accepting grant applications from communities, charities and organizations across HX destinations until Nov. 1, 2024.
The HX Foundation will focus on areas where HX's expedition ships sail, including the Arctic, Alaska, the U.K., the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica. It aims to continue the work of its predecessor, which has supported more than 200 projects in 25 countries and awarded more than 15 million NOK (approximately 1.4 million dollars) since 2015.
"This new phase allows us to sharpen our focus on the coastal communities HX visits, ensuring that we better support their unique needs while continuing to battle issues like plastic waste and wildlife conservation,” said Henrik A Lund, managing director of the HX Foundation. “Our goal is to have a lasting, measurable impact everywhere our ships and guests travel."
The foundation recently won the Expedition Cruise Initiative of the Year at the Seatrade Awards for its Rapid Response Fund, which enables HX ships to immediately donate to local community initiatives in urgent need of support.
Previous HX Foundation grant recipients include the Sea Life Trust’s Puffin Rescue Centre in Iceland.
"The Sea Life Trust, located on Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, has been a very grateful recipient of the HX Foundation grant which will help evolve and redevelop our Puffin Rescue Centre,” said Kim Cupples, general manager of the Beluga Whale Sanctuary at Sea Life Trust. “With this crucial support, we will be able to enhance our puffin hospital, significantly improving our ability to rescue, rehabilitate and release Atlantic puffins."
The HX Foundation prioritizes three core areas in its grants: preserving endangered wildlife, battling plastic waste and marine litter, and supporting local communities to foster sustainable development and regenerative tourism.
Organizations interested in applying for grants can download the application form and guidelines from the HX Foundation website. The foundation encourages all community-driven initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability, local economic development and cultural preservation to apply.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by HX. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
