HX Foundation Awards €118,000 to 13 Global Projects in First Standalone Grant Round
A Spirit of Giving Fuels Conservation, Education, and Sustainability Efforts Across 11 Countries
The HX Foundation, the philanthropic arm of HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), has announced its first standalone grant awards, totalling €118,000 across 13 impactful global projects. This marks a milestone in the foundation’s journey, following its separation from the wider Hurtigruten Group Foundation earlier this year.
Focused on driving positive change, the grants support initiatives ranging from environmental conservation and community empowerment to wildlife protection and sustainable development. Spanning 11 countries, these projects embody the foundation’s mission to champion global collaboration and create lasting impacts, particularly in regions and communities where HX operates.
A Global Commitment
“We are delighted to support these incredible projects that not only champion environmental conservation but also foster community development, education, and responsible tourism,” said Henrik A. Lund, Managing Director of the HX Foundation. “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 initiatives that make the world a better place for all.”
The selected projects address some of today’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, with efforts ranging from protecting whales and creating sustainable ecotourism in Ecuador to supporting youth empowerment in Greenland and tackling marine pollution in the UK.
The 13 Awarded Projects
Chosen from over 120 applications received in November 2024, the following projects exemplify innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainability:
Árbol co(n)razón – Community Fire Brigade for Wildlife Conservation (Ecuador): Developing a community-led fire brigade to protect Ecuador’s forests and wildlife from devastating fires.
Audubon – Ecotourism Development in Alaska (United States): Expanding birding trails to enhance ecotourism, benefiting local wildlife and communities.
Børns Vilkår – Greenlandic Youth Support (Greenland): Empowering Greenlandic youth with resources and platforms to address their future.
Fundación ADHA – Páramos Conservation (Ecuador): Supporting sustainable ecotourism in Ecuador’s páramos region to protect its biodiversity.
Happywhale – AI for Whale Conservation (United States): Using AI to track and protect whale populations globally.
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust – Citizen Science Equipment Upgrade (United Kingdom): Enhancing infrastructure to improve data collection on marine wildlife in the Hebrides.
Heriot-Watt University – Whales and Arctic Vessels (United Kingdom): Studying interactions between whales and Arctic vessels to promote safer, sustainable practices.
Seamen’s Home in Sisimiut – Christmas Evening (Greenland): Creating a festive, supportive holiday event for workers in Greenland.
Sipineq+ – Nuuk Pride 2025 (Greenland): Organising Greenland’s first Pride event to foster inclusion and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
The GRAB Trust – Marine Litter Project (United Kingdom): Engaging communities in beach clean-ups and education on reducing marine pollution.
The Oxen Expedition – Nunavut and Greenland Engagement (Canada & Greenland): Promoting cultural exchange and environmental awareness.
Toronto Metropolitan University – Sustainable Tourism (Canada): Helping operators adopt value-based approaches to reduce environmental impact.
World Cetacean Alliance – Cetacean Protection in World Heritage Areas (Global): Safeguarding cetacean habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.
The Power of Giving
Tudor Morgan, Chair of the HX Foundation board, reflected on the season of giving: “These projects are united by a shared goal: to create a sustainable, inclusive world through conservation, community development, and wildlife protection. Whether it’s safeguarding marine species, supporting vulnerable youth, or advancing sustainable tourism, each project demonstrates the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.”
Looking Ahead
The HX Foundation’s commitment to global impact is clear, with plans to expand its grant programme in 2025. The next round of grants will take place in May, following a year in which the foundation awarded over €590,000 to 104 initiatives across 86 organisations and communities.
For more information on HX Foundation and how to apply for upcoming grants, visit HX Foundation.
The HX Foundation reminds us of the ripple effect of giving, showing how small actions can lead to monumental change for people and the planet.