Dear Friends,
For nearly 30 years, Crooked Trails has been supporting sustainable, community-led tourism initiatives around the world. Through our annual grants, we have partnered with community leaders who are preserving culture, strengthening local economies, and ensuring tourism benefits the communities that welcome travelers.
Our longtime philanthropic partners who previously helped fund these grants are no longer able to provide that support. This year, we are inviting the Crooked Trails community to come together to refill the well.
To ensure we will continue to provide grants to community-led tourism projects and initiatives, Crooked Trails is launching a special campaign called The Village Well.
In many communities around the world, the village well is the heart of sustainable life. It is where people gather, share stories, and draw the water that sustains their daily lives. In much the same way, the Crooked Trails grant program is a wellspring of support for the community-led initiatives we partner with each year.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 this spring, and every donation to The Village Well campaign goes directly to supporting our grant recipients.
Your support ensures that these inspiring community initiatives continue to thrive and grow. We hope you will join us in sustaining this important work.
With gratitude,
Tammy Leland & Chris Mackay
Crooked Trails Co-Founders
The Singela Marathon brought energy, pride, and a sense of connection to the mountains of Lingshed, India. In its second year, it is reviving tourism, celebrating culture, and supporting local families through community-based travel. Learn more!
The Vicos Gear and Guide Initiative trains local community members in the Peruvian Andes to guide travelers through the Huascaran region. Learn more!
The Khusvegi Museum and English Library in Sagsai, Mongolia has been built! The library has a computer and is where English classes are held. The past two summers, Sagsai has hosted a camp with over 75 students, two local teachers, and six foreigners who taught English. Learn more!
Get inspired by the past grant recipient projects shown below.
Click each photo to learn more.
Centro PUMA is a powerhouse of local guides on Ecuador's Ometepe Island. They are shaping future eco-leaders through youth programs and community-powered tourism. Learn more!
The Abraham Path Initiative explores the Ibrahim Yolu and Zagros Mountain Trail through treks, homestays, and local engagement. Learn more!
The Zanskar Mountains Village Homestay, built by local community members, has been popular with trekkers traveling through the Anaskare Mountain Village, outside Ladakh, India. Learn more!