People Before Profits
Operation Groundswell is a social enterprise where revenue is re-invested back into the organization through program planning, curriculum design, and modest salaries. We maintain a lean and sustainable organization, and think about our participants’ best interests, not our bank account. When you join OG overseas, you can be sure that you’re investing in people before profits!
In an effort to be radically transparent, we have separated our program fee from our community contribution – so that you know exactly where and how your money is being spent overseas.
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Flexible Instalments
Typically, our program fees are paid in three instalments. We understand that everyone’s situation is different, though, and do our best to accommodate personalized payment plans. After you’ve paid your deposit, simply reach out to us at [email protected] to talk about your options.
No Change Fees
If for whatever reason you don’t want to or can’t participate in the program you first applied to, you can switch programs for free. We just ask that you let us know up to 45 days before your program (60 days before if it’s a long program) so we can let our partners know on the ground and get ready for you to join us! Browse open programs here.
Universal Deposits
Your deposit guarantees you a spot on an OG program. It’s non-refundable, but it’s good for two years and can be used towards any OG program within those two years (as long as there’s space, of course!). Learn more about our fee structure here.
The Program + Membership Fee
Our organization was founded on the principle of accessibility. We’ve set out to develop the most affordable programs possible, while packing in adventure, cross-cultural dialogue, and meaningful community service.
Our program fee covers all your expenses on the ground including lodgings and accommodations, three local meals a day, excursions, dynamic program leaders, and all the magic that happens in-country.
But OG is more than just a trip. We are a community of ethical travellers pushing to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. By joining us on a program, you’ll become a member of OG. The membership fee covers program design and recruitment, leadership training, a host of alumni activities, project monitoring and evaluation, participant impact evaluation, scholarships, and much more.
From the modest office space where all the planning takes place right down to that plate of pad thai you’ll be drooling over in Thailand, your program and membership fee ensures the highest quality of programming!
What’s Included?
A comprehensive program itinerary and educational curriculum focused on the issues facing your specific region
All lodging and accommodations throughout the program
Three local meals a day
All group transportation on the ground
All group tours, entrance fees, and excursions
Experienced and caring program leaders with you 24 hours a day
Regular discussions and workshops to help you internalize and reflect on your experience
Support from OGHQ whenever you need it
What’s Extra?
There are a few things the program fee doesn’t cover. We want to be up front about some of the extra costs you should expect.
International flights to & from where the program begins
Travel visas and trip cancellation/emergency medical insurance
Independent Travel Time expenses (if applicable)
Personal souvenirs and extra snacks & beverages
Our Payment Structure
Operation Groundswell’s program fee is priced in Canadian dollars for all Canadian citizens and U.S. dollars for all other nationalities. Our fee is collected in three parts, and has been developed in consultation with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario to protect you as a consumer and ensure that our programs remain financially accessible.
Deposit
The first is a non-refundable Deposit, which secures your place on your program and is used to begin making commitments on your behalf.
Membership Fee
The second is a Membership Fee, which is used to support our organization as we prepare for your program and mobilize the greater OG community that you’ll soon be a part of!
Program Fee
The third payment is your Program Fee Remainder which covers the rest of your on-the-ground costs, and is held in trust for that purpose.
Program + Membership Fee Breakdown
There’s more that goes into every OG program than you may think. Your experience on the ground is just part of the magic, but there’s also a lot going on behind the scenes. Expand the sections below to see the details.
OUR PROGRAM FEE
51% ON THE GROUND
A huge chunk of your program fee covers all of your costs on the ground including meals, accommodations, excursions, local transportation, and stipends for your awesome program leaders!
OUR MEMBERSHIP FEE
10% OPERATIONS & FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
Running a lean organization like we do means some pretty savvy budget setting and careful financial administration.
18% COMMUNICATIONS, OUTREACH, & SUPPORT
OG spends precious time and resources reaching out to schools and other hotbeds for curious minds to find potential backpacktivists like you! Once you’ve joined our team, our staff supports you throughout your whole journey, from your visa needs right up to your packing questions.
And even after your program, we’re still here for you! We work hard to connect you with other engaged alumni making an impact in their home communities.
7% HQ & INTERNATIONAL STAFF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Risk management training and resources for all of our program leaders, regional coordinators, and regional directors.
6% OFFICE & GENERAL
To make all of this possible, we need some of the basics! A small portion of your program fee goes to enabling staff around the world to work in spaces conducive to productivity and collaboration…that means office rent, utilities, and of course, phone and internet!
5% PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Those comfy beds with your host family? That delicious local dish? That mind-blowing workshop? Those enriching experiences with our partners? We’ve been working year-round to develop your program, plan your itinerary, and build a solid educational curriculum to make all that magic happen on the ground!
3% FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
A part of your fee even lends a helping hand to your fellow backpacktivists! Through our Financial Needs Fund, we are able to provide grants for backpacktivists who might not otherwise be able to join us due to financial constraints.
Community Contribution
WE VALUE SOLIDARITY OVER CHARITY
We’ve set community contributions for team members on all of our programs. 82% of those Community Contributions directly support the amazing local grassroots organizations that we are partnered with on the ground. From youth empowerment to environmental sustainability, from education to health, our partners are creating positive change all around the world.
Carbon Offset
WE VALUE THE PLANET BEFORE PROFITS
10% of the Community Contribution for each participant goes towards carbon offsetting their international flight and minimal carbon footprint on program. We work with highly regarded organizations to purchase carbon credits to offset these impacts. This is just a small, necessary part of our commitment to environmental justice.
Where Does it Go?
82%
In Country Projects
82% of team members’ community contributions go directly to support projects implemented by the local non-profits, charities, and communities that we are partnered with. From constructing the first Ubuntu Blox styrofoam factory in Haiti to supporting literacy programs in Tanzania, our groups always strive to make a lasting impact. Each team contributes to one or two major local projects while abroad. Teams may also choose to allocate funds to the Alumni Project Fund, a communal pool to support alumni who have continued working on development projects with local partners.
10%
Carbon Offsetting
There is no question that round-trip flights leave a large carbon footprint. If we are going to fly, we want to encourage environmental responsibility. For this reason, we carbon offset all of our programs. 10% of each community contribution is allocated to PlanetAir, a Canadian organization regarded by the Suzuki Foundation as one of the leaders in the industry.
8%
Administration
Only 8% goes towards the administration of funds, maintenance of an interactive fundraising platform, and bank transfer fees. We do our best to maintain a lean organization!
Financial Support
We know that the cost of international travel can be high. That’s why we’ve set up a number of financial support options to help make this opportunity possible. We want to ensure all of our programs are as accessible as possible for everyone.