RISE Travel Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel through education. We envision a world where travel is a force for positive transformation for travelers, our planet, and communities around the world.

Our award-winning online curriculum consists of a 10-week cohort-based Flagship Certificate Program, thematic short courses on sustainability and anti-oppression in travel, and place-based conscious travel short courses. These programs are designed to encourage travelers and travel professionals to think deeply and critically about sustainability and justice issues related to travel and tourism using a systems approach and decolonial principles. Additional programming includes Experiential Journeys for our alumni, a professional development  program for educators, a study abroad pre-departure program (coming soon), and the production of educational resources on sustainable travel and tourism.

We are aiming to raise $15,000 before the end of the year in order to expand our operations and programs in 2024. These funds will be critical in allowing us to attain financial sustainability as an educational institution, and to reach more travelers. Your support through this campaign will contribute to development of new courses, the RISE Student Tuition Grant and Travel Scholarship Fund, and university partnerships that bring our Flagship Program to students enrolled in tourism and hospitality degree-earning programs.

RISE Travel Institute is a 100% volunteer run organization. Our volunteers make all this magic happen! Please support our volunteer team during this fundraising challenge.

When you make a donation through our Step Up to RISE Up campaign,, you can credit a member of our volunteer team who has made a difference in your sustainable travel journey. Or, simply credit which aspect of RISE travel means the most to you: Responsible, Impactful, Sustainable, or Ethical?

Awards and Accolades for RISE Travel Institute:

• Platinum Transparency on GuideStar for 2022 & 2023
• Top-rated Nonprofit on Greatnonprofits.org 2022 & 2023
• Winner, Social Impact Award, Bessie Awards 2022 by Wanderful
• Finalist, Tourism Education, Awake Tourism Challenge 2022 by UNWTO
• Honorable Mention, Visitors Category, Meaningful Tourism Award 2022 by Meaningful Tourism Center