HX Foundation, the nonprofit arm of HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), has announced the recipients of its first standalone grant round, awarding €118,000 to 13 impactful projects worldwide. The funding will support a diverse array of initiatives focused on environmental conservation, community empowerment, wildlife protection, and sustainable development (according to the institution). With a focus on global collaboration, these 13 projects span 11 countries and regions, embodying the foundation’s commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
The grant allocation is the first round of support from the HX Foundation since its separation from the wider Hurtigruten Group Foundation earlier in 2024. It marks the Foundation’s continued dedication to creating lasting, meaningful change across the globe with particular focus on communities and destinations where HX sails. This year’s awards reflect the Foundation’s broad reach, with projects addressing urgent environmental and social challenges, from the Arctic to the tropics.
“We are delighted to support these incredible projects that not only champion environmental conservation but also foster community development, education, and responsible tourism,” said HX Foundation Managing Director Henrik A. Lund. “As we enter the holiday season, it’s a time for reflection on the importance of giving back, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting these initiatives that make the world a better place for all.”
The 13 Awarded Projects
The following projects were selected from a pool of over 120 applications, received in November 2024, one of two funding cycles per year:
1. Árbol co(n)razón – Community Fire Brigade for Wildlife Conservation (Ecuador): This initiative supports the creation of a community-led fire brigade to protect Ecuador’s vital forests and wildlife from destructive fires.
2. Audubon (National Audubon Society) – Expanding Ecotourism as an Economic Driver in Alaska with a Focus on Birding Trails (United States): Audubon will enhance ecotourism opportunities, creating birding trails that benefit both local wildlife and communities in Alaska.
3. Børns Vilkår (Children’s Welfare) – Hear Me – Phase 2: Support for Greenlandic Youth (Greenland): This project provides vital resources for Greenlandic youth, empowering them to engage in constructive activities and raise their voices on issues affecting their future.
4. Fundación ADHA – Empowering Local Communities for Páramos Conservation and Community-Based Ecotourism (Ecuador): Fundación ADHA will help local communities in Ecuador’s páramos region develop sustainable ecotourism initiatives that protect the area’s unique biodiversity.
5. Happywhale – Advancing Responsible AI to Support Whale Conservation Science (United States): Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Happywhale is advancing efforts to track and protect whale populations, contributing to global marine conservation.
6. Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust – The Citizen Science Equipment Upgrade Project (United Kingdom): The Trust will improve its citizen science infrastructure, empowering volunteers to collect better data on whale and dolphin populations in the Hebrides.
7. Heriot-Watt University – Whales and Arctic Vessels (WAVE) (United Kingdom): This project will investigate the interactions between whales and Arctic vessels, aiming to develop strategies for safer, more sustainable maritime practices.
8. Seamen’s Home in Sisimiut – Christmas Evening at the Seamen’s Home (Greenland): With this project, the Seamen’s Home will provide a warm and festive holiday gathering for workers in Greenland, ensuring they feel supported and appreciated during the holiday season.
9. Sipineq+ – Nuuk Pride 2025 (Greenland): Sipineq+ is working to establish Greenland’s first Pride event in 2025, fostering inclusion, visibility, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in Greenland.
10. The GRAB Trust – Beaches and Marine Litter Project (United Kingdom): This initiative will tackle marine pollution in Argyll and Bute, engaging local communities in beach clean-ups and education on sustainable waste practices.
11. The Oxen Expedition Engagement Network – Nunavut and Greenland Community Engagement (Canada and Greenland): The project will foster cultural exchange and environmental awareness between communities in Nunavut and Greenland, highlighting shared challenges and solutions.
12. Toronto Metropolitan University – Moving from a Volume to Value-Based Approach to Achieve More Sustainable Tourism (Canada): This project will help local tourism operators shift towards a more sustainable model, focusing on quality rather than quantity to reduce environmental impact.
13. World Cetacean Alliance – World Heritage Areas: Creating Lasting, Sustainable Change for Cetaceans (Global): The World Cetacean Alliance will focus on protecting cetacean habitats in World Heritage Areas, ensuring the survival of these magnificent marine species for generations to come.
A Season of Giving and Global Impact
Tudor Morgan, Chair of the HX Foundation board, added: “With the holidays just around the corner, the HX Foundation’s grant program is a reminder of the power of giving back. These 13 projects are united by a shared goal: to create a sustainable, more inclusive world through environmental conservation, community development, and the protection of wildlife. Whether it’s safeguarding whales, providing for vulnerable youth, or advancing sustainable tourism, the grant recipients represent the very best of global collaboration, where every donation—no matter how small—can create ripples of positive change.”
Celebrating the success of its first grants exclusively as HX Foundation, the charity arm looks forward to continuing its work in the coming year, supporting initiatives that drive positive change for the planet and its inhabitants. The next round of grants will take place in May 2025.
