1. What are Earthwatch expeditions?
2. Is this really for me?
• Do I need any special skills?
• Do I need any other languages?
• Can you accommodate medical conditions?
• Can you provide for special diets?
• How fit do I need to be?
• Is there an age limit?
3. Who will be on my team?
• What size are the teams?
• Do people travel alone?
• Are minors (teens) allowed on Earthwatch Expeditions?
4. What can I expect in the field?
• What do I need to bring?
• Who leads the expedition?
• Research Sites
• Food
• Tasks (the field work)
• Accommodations
• What about local customs?
• Will I have time to take photographs?
• Will I have any recreational time?
5. Where will we meet?
• Who books my travel?
• What about travel insurance?
• Can I stay for longer or leave early?
• What about visas?
• What are the passport requirements for traveling overseas?
6. How do I join an Earthwatch team?
7. How should I choose an expedition?
• By Location & Date
• By Subject
• By Cost
• By Field Conditions
8. What does the minimum contribution?
• What does the Expedition Minimum Contribution cover?
• How are funds distributed?
• What other expenses will I have to pay?
• Do you offer discounts?
• Is there any financial assistance for teachers or students?
9. When do I pay the full Contribution?
10. What is the Transfer, Refund, and Cancellation Policy?
11. Are my expedition costs tax-deductible?
12. How can I get more information?
1. What are Earthwatch expeditions?
Earthwatch expeditions are ongoing research projects confronting critical, current issues, run by qualified and respected members of the scientific community. Earthwatch expeditions are not tours, not ecotourism, not adventure travel. Earthwatch expeditions are short-term volunteer opportunities directly assisting scientists in their field research. In some cases, you will be working in areas inaccessible to tourists; pristine regions that only researchers are allowed to enter. Most expeditions are 7-15 days long. The researchers you work with come from all over the globe. They apply to Earthwatch Institute for grants that support their work by simultaneously organizing volunteers to assist them in the field and funding the research. Topics span a wide range of scientific study including climate change, endangered species, history of civilizations, sustainable development, and the state of the oceans.
2. Is this really for me?
Earthwatch expeditions are scientific field research expeditions, not guided tours or typical ecotourism trips. Earthwatch makes every effort to describe field conditions accurately in its publications, online, and verbally, but fieldwork in remote locations is a delicate business and prone to last-minute changes before and during an expedition. Flexibility is a must. In addition, the infrastructure, transport, road conditions, accommodations, and emergency and health services in the country you work may not be of the standard you would expect to find at home. We accept this as part of what makes an Earthwatch expedition unique.
• Do I need any special skills?
No. The researcher(s) and field staff will teach you everything you need to know once you arrive. Most tasks are not difficult, and you will quickly master them. Exceptions may be expeditions requiring scuba qualifications or high levels of fitness. Make sure to appropriately assess your ability and your physical fitness level, if in doubt, talk to one of our trained expedition coordinators. Remember—you must be an Earthwatch member to participate on an Earthwatch research team.
• Do I need any other languages?
The primary language spoken on all our expeditions is English. On some expeditions, however, language skills can be of great help to the researcher.
• Can you accommodate medical conditions?
There are expeditions to suit nearly everyone. If you have a disability or a specific medical condition that might have an impact on your participation on an expedition, call us and we will do our best to find a suitable expedition. All Earthwatch volunteers are required to fill out a health form, the form must be signed and dated by your physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant and returned to Earthwatch before you can participate on an expedition. Health forms must show evidence of a doctor's exam within one year of the start date of the expedition.
• Can you provide for special diets?
Many expeditions can accommodate to a wide range of dietary needs. When working in more remote areas, your meals will reflect what is available locally, and therefore cannot cater to every taste. Read your Expedition Briefing and check with us before you join a team.
• How fit do I need to be?
Most expeditions are suitable for every fitness level, but some are more demanding than others. To fully contribute to the research and enjoy your expedition, it is very important that you appropriately assess your abilities and your physical fitness level. If you are unsure about the rigor of your chosen expedition, please read the medical advisory in the Expedition Briefing carefully for specific details and talk to one of our trained expedition coordinators. All volunteers are required to have a health exam and have our health form signed by a doctor within one year prior to the start date of the expedition.
• Is there an age limit?
Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age for most expeditions is 16. There is no maximum age. Volunteers over the age of 80 have enjoyed our expeditions and have made valuable contributions to the fieldwork. Please be realistic regarding your health and fitness, and always call us for advice. Family teams have a minimum age of 10 or 14, depending on which expedition it is. Teen teams are exclusively for 16 and 17 year olds, and are supervised by additional Earthwatch staff.
3. Who will be on my team?
Earthwatch volunteers are diverse in experience, age, and nationality. Of the 4,000 volunteers who go into the field each year, one-third is repeat volunteers and some have been on more than 50 expeditions! The people on your team will have at least one thing in common: All will share the same spirit of interest that made them choose the same expedition that you did. Many will become friends for life.
• What size are the teams?
Research teams are usually small groups of between 4 to 15 people. To find out the maximum team size on any expedition, look under the team dates in this Expedition Guide or on the web. Or simply give us a call at 1-800-776-0188 to find out.
• Do people travel alone?
You will find some couples or participants who are traveling together on teams, but the majority of our volunteers travel alone. Earthwatch expeditions are a great way to travel to remote or unfamiliar places. Someone will meet you at the rendezvous site, and you will likely connect with other team members for off-expedition exploring.
• Are minors (teens) allowed on Earthwatch Expeditions?
Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16 on most of our expeditions. However, Earthwatch Family teams have a minimum age of 10 or 14, depending on the specific expedition. Teen teams are exclusively for 16 and 17 year olds, and are supervised by additional Earthwatch staff. Teens can connect with leading scientists in a peer setting while learning new skills and appreciating the power that they have to change the planet. These special teen teams focus on the same research activities and have the same expectations as our regular teams, but with more supervision and support.
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4. What can I expect in the field?
Earthwatch expeditions are not tours. You will live, work and eat as scientists do in the field. That means you will work hard for long hours doing things you've never done before. You will get rained on and likely get dirty, that said, you will also be challenged intellectually and learn skills you never knew existed. So if you want cable TV, piña coladas by the pool, and a quick drive past the sights, this is not for you. But if you dream about seeing the stars over an empty desert, if you want to save the life of a butterfly in a rainforest or discover a new species of amphibian, if you want to come home with your head full of ideas and your heart bursting with purpose, then join an expedition. We have a world waiting for your help.
• What do I need to bring?
We will send you an Expedition Briefing containing a full list of everything that you will need to bring with you. Certain expeditions may require camping equipment, others specify clothing for certain types of weather conditions, but most require no more than your favorite pair of tough pants and an old work-shirt.
• Who leads the expedition?
All our expeditions are led by researchers known as Principal Investigators (PIs) and their field staff. They are not tour leaders or Earthwatch representatives. They have years of experience at leading field research teams and each one has developed his or her own leadership style. They all share an enthusiasm and passion for their subject that you will find infectious, and they value your work and your questions.
• Research Sites
Earthwatch teams work in some of the most interesting places on Earth. Much of our work is in wildlife reserves, important historical sites, and national parks. Sites range from Mongolia to the Hebrides, from Hudson Bay to Cape Town. The intense, hands-on connection you get with your site will give you an appreciation of the Earth's richness and quiet majesty that no guard-railed vista can match. But it's more than just the physical place. On an Earthwatch expedition you have one-on-one contact with the local people that no tourist will ever have.
• Food
On one of the expeditions we offer, lunch is a sumptuous buffet on the deck of a dive boat. On another, you find a comfy log to sit on while you eat cheese and crackers, raisins and cookies that have spent the morning in your backpack. Please see the on-line expedition descriptions. In short, the food varies enormously. No matter what you have for supper, after a full day in the field, the food will taste like heaven.
• Tasks (the field work)
The range of tasks on Earthwatch expeditions is enormous, from using dental picks to coax free a dinosaur bone to freeing a bird from a mist net. You might be counting fish on a coral reef or recording the behavioral patterns of a pride of lions. You might be interviewing farmers or other locals. You might be using a gravity meter, a satellite tracking system, or a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass. You might be whisking the dust off of a bowl that was last seen by a Roman soldier in the first century A.D. No matter what the task involved, you do not need any special skills other than on expeditions that require SCUBA or snorkeling experience. We will teach you what you need to do when you arrive in the field. And no matter what your native skills are, you can put them to good use. In fact, you will undoubtedly find skills you never knew you had. The world (and you) will be better for it. You can find more information on specific expedition tasks in the expedition briefing.
• Accommodations
Imagine, if you will, waking up in a cot under the open sky on a beach in Baja California, watching dolphins leaping as dawn breaks over the Sea of Cortez. The accommodations on Earthwatch expeditions range from condos to hammocks, from wildlife lodges to college dorm rooms. There are scientific field stations on mountaintops and tents in the rain forest, country inns and formal hotels. There may be hot showers or a bucket of cold water. There may be private bathrooms or pit toilets. Please see the expedition descriptions for more information. In all cases, we try to provide the most comfortable facilities available at a given research site, while trying to keep participation within the economic reach of the largest number of people.
• What about local customs?
Many expeditions work in remote communities; some far off the beaten track. Earthwatch stresses the need for responsible behavior and common courtesy when traveling in these areas. When in doubt about what will, or will not, cause offense, be sure to ask your researcher or field staff. Learn to respect local customs. Involvement in other cultures is one of the privileges of joining an Earthwatch expedition.
• Will I have time to take photographs?
Yes. Earthwatch expeditions enable you to get close to the action, and opportunities for photography or video are endless. Two things to remember: first, and most important, always ask permission before taking photos. Many local people find photography intrusive, so always ask your researcher or field staff if it would be appropriate. Second, you may wish to give talks and/or post a photo journal on your return, so think about what shots you'd like to have to illustrate your adventure.
• Will I have any recreational time?
Earthwatch is responsible for your safety while you are on an expedition, from when you meet up with your team to when you depart. Most expeditions offer unscheduled blocks of time or days off or, as we refer to it, recreational time. Our policy is designed to keep you safe during recreational time, but still allow you the freedom to explore on your own. Please read the policy below.
Regular Research Days
When there is a period of unscheduled time during a regular research day, volunteers will have the option of signing themselves out but leaving information on where they are going and when they expect to be back. Volunteers should always carry contact information for the expedition when signing out. In the case that a volunteer does not return before the next scheduled activity, Earthwatch's Missing Person Emergency Response Plan will be triggered.
Non-research Days
On non-research days, volunteers will have the option of joining approved team activities or outings that have been vetted by Earthwatch or staying at the accommodations to rest. Depending on the location and resources in the expedition location, approved options may be as unrestricted as walking to town to visit local shops or as structured as a hired safari to a nearby National Park. The options on any particular expedition will be clearly communicated in the Expedition Briefing, as will any fees for recreational activities that are not covered by the expedition contribution.
Exceptions
In some cases, local conditions may indicate that volunteers should not venture out during unscheduled times and non-research days. In these instances, if volunteers choose to venture off on their own against Earthwatch advice, they will need to sign waivers. Please keep in mind that local events may sometimes trigger changes in the policy for your expedition. We will do our best to keep you informed of any changes.
Teen and SCAP Expeditions
Teams with unaccompanied minors will have continuous Earthwatch staff supervision.
Behind-the-Scenes Expeditions
On Behind-the-Scenes teams, volunteers plan for their own meals and accommodations. Earthwatch is responsible for volunteer safety only when team members are involved in research activities. However, Earthwatch will still provide help and resources in the event of an emergency at any time during the Behind-the-Scenes teams. This will be clearly communicated in the Expedition Briefing.
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5. Where will we meet?
Your researcher or one of the field staff will meet you at a designated in-country rendezvous point. Usually, the rendezvous is at the nearest international or regional airport. In some cases, though, getting to the destination can be a challenge even for intrepid travelers. While some find this part of the expedition fun, it can be daunting for others. Check the rendezvous location in your Expedition Briefing or call an Expedition Advisor for details. The online version of the Briefing does not have the specific rendezvous information for safety reasons.
• Who books my travel?
You do. While we will be able to offer suggestions, part of preparing yourself for an Earthwatch expedition comes in getting yourself to and from the rendezvous site. You are free to make your travel arrangements with any travel agency you choose. Start making inquiries about your flights as soon as your place on an expedition is confirmed and you have read the Expedition Briefing. Flights can get booked up months in advance, especially if you are planning to travel at peak times (June-August and the holiday/New Year period). We recommend that you make sure the tickets are refundable or changeable. Though rare, there is the possibility that team dates could change.
• What about travel insurance?
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance (MedEvac) is automatically included in the project cost you pay to Earthwatch; please see www.earthwatch.org/insurance. You are automatically covered for the period of the Earthwatch expedition, plus a maximum of 2 days before and/or two days after the expedition for your travel to and from the expedition (for expeditions outside your home country). For expeditions within your home country, you are covered from the time of the expedition rendezvous through the expedition departure. Coverage begins at the airport (or international disembarkation site) on the day you depart for your Earthwatch expedition, and stays in effect until you arrive back at the airport or port of arrival in your home country. The insurance does not cover ordinary travel to and from the airport, or to and from the international disembarkation point. However if you return home as a result of an emergency medical evacuation, the insurance covers transportation directly to the designated medical facility or to your home.
Please refer any queries regarding this policy to Michelle Ralph at Sutton Winson in the UK, michelle.ralph@swib.co.uk. From the US, dial 011-44-1444-251164. Please note the time difference between the US and the UK, and call during UK business hours, which are from 08:45 to 17:00 GMT (from November to April) and GMT +1 (from April to November). You may also leave a message and request that she call you back.
Optional Additional Insurance for US and Canadian Volunteers
While our inclusive insurance covers your emergency medical needs and trip cancellation/curtailment up to £3000, the optional CSA policy covers lost luggage, pre-existing conditions, travel delays, etc. For more information on this optional additional insurance policy, call CSA Travel Protection at 1-800-348-9505 or visit www.csatravelprotection.com. Please note: Some coverage is dependent on purchasing insurance within 24 hours of paying in full for your expedition. Should you decide to purchase our optional insurance, please use the following producer code to indicate your affiliation with Earthwatch: 83534816.
• Can I stay longer or leave early?
You cannot stay on the expedition longer than your team or leave before the team's completion. However, many people choose to travel elsewhere in the country either before or after the expedition. We generally suggest planning extra travel time after the expedition. Often the researcher or local staff will be able to advise you on where to go and what to see. If you plan additional travel before or after your Earthwatch expedition, you should purchase additional insurance as MedEvac coverage is only valid while you are actually travelling to and from the international disembarkation site and while on your Earthwatch expedition.
• What about visas?
You are responsible for arranging your visa. If you have to apply for a visa for your expedition, allow plenty of time and always ask for a tourist visa. More information on visas can be found at travel.state.gov/visa
• What are the passport requirements for traveling overseas?
All US citizens traveling internationally must hold a valid passport. All passports must be valid at least 6 months AFTER your expected return date to the U.S.; the only exception is for travel to Canada and Mexico. For travel to Canada and Mexico you still need a valid passport, however, it needs only be valid through your expected return date.
If you are traveling to Africa be aware that many countries require that your passport has at least 2 consecutive pages that lie side by side when your passport lies open. You need two pages for each country that you plan to visit. This is to accommodate entry and exit stamps as well as visas when required.
For information on how to apply for a passport, passport renewal and how to get additional pages added to you passport, visit travel.state.gov/passport or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
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6. How do I join an Earthwatch team?
- Choose your expedition and team dates and remember to choose an alternate in case your first choice is full. Some team sizes are as small as four volunteers per team, so certain teams do fill fast. It is important to call or join online early since we register team members in the order sign ups are received.
- You can sign up for an expedition online or by phone at 1-800-776-0188. You can pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or certain securities. You must be a member of Earthwatch or join as a member* at the time you sign up. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is due at the time you make your initial reservation. Full payment of your contribution is due 120 days prior to your expedition start date. If your reservation is made within 120 days of your start date, full payment of your contribution is due at the time of booking. If you fail to make your full payment 120 days before you field, we reserve the right to treat your sign up as cancelled and give your spot to someone else.
- We will send you an Expedition Briefing containing detailed information about the expedition. You will usually receive your Expedition Briefing no later than 45 days prior to the start date of the team. Please read it carefully. The briefing will also instruct you on which Volunteer Forms you will need to read and/or return to Earthwatch, as well as a link to a webpage where you can access all Volunteer Forms. These include a health form that must be signed by a physician or nurse practitioner. You can order our informative Expedition Briefings prior to making a reservation for just $20 per briefing**, applicable toward your contribution when you join that expedition, or you can download an abbreviated Expedition Briefing from our website for free!
- Book your flights! Travel costs to and from your expedition rendezvous site are not included in your contribution. You are free to make your travel arrangements with any travel agency you choose. In some cases, we can provide recommendations for travel agencies that are accustomed to making arrangements to unusual destinations.
- You join your team in the field. It's as easy as that!
* Note memberships are non-refundable.
**Some Expedition Briefings may not be available at the time of your request.
7. How should I choose an expedition?
You will find details on all of our expeditions on our website; our site is continuously updated, so check it often or you can request our Expedition Guide which is printed annually. With over 90 expeditions to choose from, many volunteers tell us that picking an expedition is the hardest task. Our web site allows readers to search for expeditions by month, area of interest, and geographical region. You can also contact us at 1-800-776-0188, we will be happy to help find an expedition that is right for you. That being said, here are some tips to get you started:
• By Location & Date: Depending on researchers' needs, there are teams departing throughout the year. With expeditions running in more than 45 different countries, you are sure to find one that suits your needs. To accommodate the time you have available, be aware that teams vary in length from 5 days to almost three weeks.
• By Subject: The expedition descriptions give essential information about the research goals. You will find more information in the Expedition Briefing; read them on-line or call to order.
• By Cost: The minimum contribution for each expedition is listed in the Expedition Guide as well as online. The contribution per team may vary with team dates and length. If you have any questions, please check with a Volunteer Advisor.
• By Field Conditions: Accommodations, food, and level of fitness required vary considerably from expedition to expedition, but there is something for every taste, from camping to hotels, from back-country hiking to observation from a vehicle. For more help in choosing an expedition that is right for you, check the expedition descriptionin the Expedition Guide or online, or call our Volunteer Advisors at 1-800-776-0188.
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8. What’s a Minimum Contribution?
As you explore the wide range of volunteer opportunities detailed on Earthwatch.org, you’ll notice a Minimum Contribution listed for each expedition. This tax-deductible donation is needed to help support each expedition’s field research requirements, including your room and board, on-site transportation and field equipment expenses. However, additional contributions are urgently needed for scientific equipment, educational outreach, and community-building projects. Every dollar contributed above the Minimum Contribution will go directly towards keeping these vital programs going for as long as needed to protect the ecological and cultural resources that sustain our lives. As you prepare to join us in the field, please consider contributing as much as you’re able. It’s just one more way in which you can quickly and effectively change the world, one community or species at a time.
• What does the expedition minimum contribution cover?
Your minimum contribution covers the most basic research costs, such as room and board, research permits, basic scientific equipment, on-site staff, carbon offsets, basic insurance, and more. The contribution does not cover your travel to the rendezvous site and, in some cases, additional costs may exist so please check with your Volunteer Advisor if you have any questions. In addition to these basic costs, there are still many other expenses we have to fund through fundraising, partnerships, and other channels. These additional expenses can include other research equipment, field costs related to pre-fielding and site visits, training, administrative back-up, educational initiatives and outreach, capacity building projects and a broad range of other programs. As such, any contribution you can make above the minimum will help Earthwatch carry out our broader mission more effectively.
Note: The minimum contribution listed for each team is the lowest available for your region, and is subject to change. Each Earthwatch office has its own budget and funding structure, so expedition contributions may vary slightly depending on the region in which you live.
• How is my minimum contribution used?
All of your contribution is used to support Earthwatch-sponsored research and exploration. By balancing costs across our program, we are able to assist some research that would not be self-supporting. Depending on the size and needs of your team, roughly 50% goes to field costs; 34% to advance planning, reconnaissance, team recruitment, and logistical support; and 16% is used for administrative support, communications, and post expedition follow-up.
• What other expenses will I have to pay?
The main additional costs will be your transportation expenses to and from the rendezvous site. This means that airfares are not covered by your contribution (for US residents, these expenses may be tax deductible). Additional costs may include passports, visas, airport taxes, and the costs of any side trips made before or after the expedition or on recreational days. Some expeditions have additional in-country travel costs to reach the research site. Ask your Volunteer Advisor for details.
• Do you offer discounts?
No. As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, volunteer contributions are used to carry out important environmental research around the world. When you become a member of Earthwatch and then join us in the field, you’re sending a powerful message of support to Earthwatch and our mission. However, in particular cases where a project is in urgent need of volunteer support, we do offer special contribution levels below the minimum. Ask a Volunteer Advisor or visit our Special Offers page for more details.
• Is there any financial assistance for teachers or students?
Yes. Competitive grants are available for teachers and high-school students (16+) to participate in expeditions. You get more information on our Education page. If you have questions, please write to fellowshipawards@earthwatch.org or call 1-800-776-0177 ext 245. Special offers for college students are also available - check our Special Offers page.
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9. When do I pay the full Contribution?
If you reserve your space 121 days or more before the team start date, the balance payment of your contribution is due 120 days prior to your team start date. The balance payment will be solicited through monthly invoices or is payable at any time directly through your Volunteer Advisor.
The full contribution is required if reserving a space at or within 120 days of your expedition's start date. You can pay with MasterCard or Visa. We also accept transfers of most US securities.
Note: If you fail to make your full payment 120 days before you field, we reserve the right to treat your reservation as cancelled and give your space to another volunteer.
You may wish to consider starting an Expedition Fund (U.S. and Canadian residents only). You can open an Expedition Fund for yourself or for a friend or relative with a tax-deductible minimum contribution of $100 made by check or credit card. Contributions are tax deductible in the year that they are made (US residents only). After you open the Expedition Fund, you, friends, or family can add donations of $25 or more at any time. Expedition Fund contributions can be used toward the cost of an expedition for yourself or for anyone you designate for up to three years after you make the initial contribution.
Please note: Expedition Funds cannot be applied towards Family Teams and all Expedition Fund donations are non-refundable.
For information on Group bookings, please visit our Groups page or call 1-800-776-0188 ext 250
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10. Transfer, Refund, and Cancellation Policy
You may transfer from one expedition to another without penalty up to 120 days before your expedition begins, after which time our cancellation policy applies. If you cancel 120 days prior to your expedition's start date, Earthwatch will apply the $300 initial non-refundable deposit either toward another expedition of your choice or to an Expedition Fund.
Cancellation between 60-119 days of the expedition start date will result in 50 percent of the total contribution amount being retained by Earthwatch. You then have the option to refund the remainder, transfer it to another expedition, or apply it toward an Expedition Fund.
Cancellation within 59 days of the expedition start date will result in 100 percent of the contribution amount being retained by Earthwatch. Under no circumstances is a refund available to those who cancel within 59 days of their start date. Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended.
Note: Any funds retained due to late cancellation will support expedition field research and will be considered a charitable gift to Earthwatch Institute. Additional donations made above the minimum contribution are also non-refundable and are considered a charitable gift to Earthwatch.
Please note that Earthwatch memberships are non-refundable as they are also considered a charitable gift.
In the unlikely event that Earthwatch must cancel an expedition, your expedition contribution will be refunded in full. Earthwatch does not reimburse airfare or other personal travel expenses associated with a cancelled expedition. Any donations made above the minimum contribution are non-refundable and non-transferable as they are considered a charitable gift.
For information on Group bookings, please visit our Groups page or call 1-800-776-0188 ext 250
11. Are my Expedition costs tax-deductible?
Each country has a different set of tax rulings.
U.S.A.: In the United States, Earthwatch Institute is a public charity described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is not a private foundation, as it is an organization described in Section 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, contributions of cash, securities and property donated by US citizens to support scientific research expeditions sponsored by Earthwatch Institute are tax-deductible. Note: Contributions of cash or securities to a charitable organization are tax deductible only upon completion of giving. As such, your payment(s) towards an Earthwatch expedition may be tax deductible only after such payment(s) is non-refundable or, in other words, 59 days before your team start date (contribution is no longer refundable). Under certain circumstances, volunteers may deduct reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with their participation in an Earthwatch expedition including some expenses for transportation to and from the research site. AS WITH ALL TAX MATTERS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR ON ALL ISSUES CONCERNING TAX DEDUCTIBILITY. Please note: Earthwatch Family Team Expeditions are not tax-deductible.
12. How can I get more information?
Expedition Briefing: For most expeditions, an abbreviated briefing can be found online as a PDF document by clicking on the Briefing link on the expedition page. The more detailed printed Expedition Briefing can be sent to you upon request for a fee of $20*, or automatically upon payment of a deposit. Each Expedition Briefing (25-50 pages) includes a history of the expedition, its research mission, background of the researcher(s) and staff, expedition goals, field logistics, reference maps, in-country information, and a bibliography of materials. Call or email us to order an Expedition Briefing.
Field Representatives (U.S. and Canada Only): Our network of more than 200 Field Reps (veteran field volunteers who donate their time to share their experiences and spread the word about Earthwatch) are here to help you. Many have been on 10 expeditions or more and are eager to share information and advice.
Please also see our listings of events including lectures by scientists and past team members, member events, and special programs in your area.
Give us a call: Our experienced staff is ready to help answer any questions at 1-800-776-0188.
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