In a major step towards its mission to create a better world for travel, the Hilton Global Foundation announced today a record $5.3 million commitment towards 16 nonprofit organizations working to combat poverty, foster career development opportunities and protect the destinations where we live, work, and travel.
The Hilton Global Foundation aims to make a positive social and environmental difference for communities, ensure a sustainable future for generations to come and supercharge Hilton’s progress towards its 2030 Travel with Purpose goals. Since its launch in 2019, funding from the Hilton Global Foundation has provided more than 220,000 people with access to clean water, donated more than 18 million pounds of food to communities in need and created nearly 113,000 learning and career growth opportunities.
"Conrad Hilton believed travel could be a force for good, and we’ve been committed to fulfilling this Purpose for more than 105 years. Now more than ever, our communities need meaningful positive impact, and the Hilton Global Foundation is proud to be supporting these remarkable 16 grantees with the largest ever donation in our history."
“Conrad Hilton believed travel could be a force for good, and we’ve been committed to fulfilling this Purpose for more than 105 years. Now more than ever, our communities need meaningful positive impact, and the Hilton Global Foundation is proud to be supporting these remarkable 16 grantees with the largest ever donation in our history,” said Katherine Lugar, EVP, corporate affairs, Hilton and president, Hilton Global Foundation. “Together, we are working to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges, and we look forward to making a positive impact and ultimately a better world for travel.”
The Hilton Global Foundation is dedicated to creating an engine of opportunity in our communities by supporting projects that create training, skill building, and career opportunities for all within the hospitality industry.
Hilton has been partnering with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) since 2012, supporting its global efforts to connect young people with opportunities to transform their lives through training, skill-building workshops and career opportunities.
In 2023, the Hilton Global Foundation began working with IYF’s JuventudES program, which helps vulnerable young adults ages 16-29 gain vital job skills and employment. By focusing on the development of practical skills and facilitating connections with potential employers, the program aims to empower youth to build sustainable careers in Mexico City.
Funding from the Hilton Global Foundation will go towards supporting more than 260 of its youth members and graduates. By providing training and support services for them, at least 50 percent of those who complete the program will be newly employed or will have attained improved employment in the hospitality or tourism industries. In addition to the grant from the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton properties and team members around the world volunteer their time to empower youth through IYF’s programs and initiatives.
(Istanbul, Türkiye) Türkiye Down Syndrome Association’s Hospitality Career Development Project will provide job coaching and training to individuals with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, allowing them to gain the skills to be active participants in the growing hospitality industry in Türkiye.(Madrid, Spain) Fundacion Tomillo empowers young people by developing essential skills for employment in the hospitality sector. With support from the Hilton Global Foundation, the Campus Tomillo Hospitality Project will provide tailored training pathways, connecting disadvantaged youth with job opportunities and preparing them for successful careers in hospitality.(Lagos, Nigeria) Wavecrest College of Hospitality will use the support from the Hilton Global Foundation to empower young girls in Nigeria by providing technical and vocational training for careers in the hospitality industry.(Da Nang, Vietnam) STREETS International supports vulnerable youth in Vietnam, including orphans and trafficked individuals, by offering residential training programs in hospitality and tourism. With funding from the Hilton Global Foundation, nearly 100 deserving youths will have the opportunity to participate in this transformative program over the next three years, equipping them with valuable skills.(Tokyo, Japan) Hands on Tokyo provides Life Skills Programs for youths with developmental and intellectual challenges. Through their ‘LIVES KITCHEN’ food truck, supported by the Hilton Global Foundation, participants will gain essential skills and work experience in the culinary sector, helping them build a path to greater independence. For youths with physical and visual impairments, the program will also offer professional coaching, English presentation skills, and mock interviews to help participants build self-esteem and confidence. These activities aim to empower them to pursue higher career opportunities, including roles in the hospitality industry.
(Florida Keys, Florida, U.S.) National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys initiative, in partnership with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, empowers visitors and local residents to protect the region's marine environment, promoting sustainable travel and regenerative tourism. With support from the Hilton Global Foundation, 73 dive trips totaling 5,250 hours of divers' time will remove harmful marine debris from coral reef and seagrass habitats, engaging approximately 1,000 annual visitors and locals in preserving the health of this vital ecosystem.
(Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica) BioSur Foundation works to protect Costa Rica's rainforests and address critical challenges like climate change and wildlife preservation. BioSur will expand the Rio Nuevo Natural Reserve and promote responsible ecotourism, fostering community involvement in conservation efforts with the help of the funding provided by the Hilton Global Foundation.
(Asia Pacific Region) World Wildlife Fund will build on a previous grant from the Hilton Global Foundation to collaborate with stakeholders on projects that focus on conserving and restoring biodiversity across vital landscapes in the Asia Pacific region..
(Houston, Texas, U.S.) Second Servings of Houston will use the funding provided by the Hilton Global Foundation to expand their efforts to combat food insecurity, increasing food assistance sites from 40 to 60 per month, providing for an additional 50,000 people each year.
(Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.) Clean Memphis fosters a cleaner and greener Memphis through rescuing surplus restaurant food and tackling food insecurity. Funding from the Hilton Global Foundation will allow Clean Memphis to expand its food donation efforts by partnering with local area hotels, further reducing food waste and combating food insecurity in Memphis and Shelby County.
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) Kechara Soup Kitchen serves marginalized communities in Malaysia. Funding provided by the Hilton Global Foundation will allow Kechara Soup Kitchen to continue to support more than 700 families who are vulnerable to homelessness and support them in their transition into economic recovery.
(London, England) Only A Pavement Away empowers individuals facing homelessness including veterans and prison leavers by offering training, career development and financial support to overcome barriers to employment. Funding from the Hilton Global Foundation will place 300 people into hospitality jobs and provide 900 individuals with access to employment opportunities through employability events and learning and development programs.
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