SANTO DOMINGO. – As part of its commitment to the neighborhoods and towns that hosts call home and to share its success with its stakeholders, Airbnb created the Community Fund in 2020, which plans to make various donations by the end of 2030 to strengthen communities around the world.
This year in Latin America, more than 39 non-profit organizations received grants in 10 countries across the region. In the Dominican Republic, Fundación Tropicalia and Save the Children will receive a grant from the Community Fund.
The funds from the first phase will be used to establish and equip a new center, hire staff, and implement ongoing development programs for children and adolescents, including workshops on health, well-being, and job skills, which aim to contribute to the quality of life and opportunities of the community.
Airbnb's contribution will serve as initial investment to launch the center, which will focus on human capital development, thus contributing to the economic development of Miches, and especially to equal opportunities for women and girls.
For its part, Save the Children would incorporate its donation into the project entitled “Protection of Children and Adolescents against Commercial Sexual Exploitation as a Cross-Cutting Theme of Tourism Development in Pedernales-Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic.” The aim is to contribute to the development, implementation, and consolidation of institutional and social measures for the prevention and protection of children and adolescents against commercial sexual exploitation, integrated into the tourism model of Pedernales, according to a press release.
“The donation from Airbnb’s Community Fund will help us continue to positively impact the community in a permanent space where we can deepen the work we have been doing to develop capacities and contribute to the full development of children and adolescents, and in particular it will allow us to offer a safe space for learning and recreation for girls and adolescents who participate in our initiative I am a girl, I am important,” commented Sofia Perazzo, president of Fundación Tropicalia.
“The support of Airbnb’s Community Fund for our protection program in tourist areas represents an example of how the business sector can contribute to the development of children in our country, also allowing us to expand our impact to children in the southwest region of the country, specifically in the province of Pedernales,” said Alba Rodríguez, director of Save the Children Dominican Republic.
“It is an honor for Airbnb to support such prestigious organizations as Fundación Tropicalia and Save the Children, as both will continue working to protect and support communities in need. Airbnb is delighted to be part of these important efforts, both to promote education for children in need and to address difficult issues such as exploitation and human trafficking, supporting survivors and victims. Airbnb believes that these donations help local communities preserve well-being for future generations,” stated Alejandra Cors, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Latin America at Airbnb.
Through these initiatives, Airbnb continues to invest in the communities where hosts offer their spaces, empowering hosts and supporting the causes that matter most to stakeholders. Airbnb expects to continue this work in the coming years.
