Torres del Paine Legacy Fund

What Torres del Paine Legacy Fund does

The Torres del Paine Legacy Fund (Fundación Legacy) is a Chilean nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by Daniela Uribe and Drew, operating under the fiscal sponsorship of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). It runs conservation and community-development programs inside Torres del Paine National Park and the broader Magallanes region under a formal collaboration agreement with CONAF (Chile's National Forestry Corporation), signed in 2017 and expanded in 2019 to cover all protected areas of Magallanes. The organization serves four primary stakeholder groups: (i) Chilean volunteers recruited for 7-10 day conservation programs; (ii) tourism businesses (tour operators, hotels, restaurants) that contribute per-passenger donations or in-kind support; (iii) individual donors worldwide, with monthly pledge options; and (iv) international conservation foundations and government agencies (USFWS, One Tree Planted, European Outdoor Conservation Association, Intrepid Foundation) that fund discrete projects.

The organization's core products are physical conservation and infrastructure deliverables rather than software: trail construction and maintenance (10+ km built, 600+ meters of boardwalks, three suspension bridges on the W Circuit, 170-meter Dickson boardwalk on the O Circuit); reforestation and ecological restoration (monitoring of 45,000+ lenga tree seedlings with CONAF and One Tree Planted); invasive retamo (Cytisus striatus) removal covering 1.3 km²; eco-toilet installation in backcountry campgrounds (Japonés, Pingo, Italiano) in partnership with Do Good Shit, reducing helicopter waste trips by 25%; the 2022-2024 Huemul/Jekčal Conservation Project funded by USFWS; a community recycling program (15 containers installed in Puerto Natales yielding a 600% recycling increase and 250,000 kg waste diversion); and pass-through microgrants for sustainable tourism reactivation.

The business model is a diversified donation-and-grant stack rather than commercial revenue. Funding flows come from (i) individual online donations processed through the website and tax-deductible via CREST's 501(c)(3) status, (ii) per-passenger and in-kind contributions from 44+ tourism business partners, (iii) project grants from foundations and government agencies, and (iv) in-kind donations of tools, transport, and accommodations. The team comprises six people plus advisory capacity, based primarily in Puerto Natales, Chile, with an interim executive director now resident at CREST. Go-to-market is community-led: volunteer mobilization, partner referrals from tourism operators, and direct engagement with conservation-foundation funders; the organization does not sell products or services and publishes no pricing or revenue figures.

Name

Torres del Paine Legacy Fund

Legal name

Fundación Legacy

Website

https://supporttdp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Torres del Paine Legacy Fund (Fundación Legacy) is a Chilean nonprofit that runs conservation and community programs in Torres del Paine National Park under a CONAF agreement, serving tourism businesses, Chilean volunteers, individual donors, and conservation foundations through a diversified donation-and-grant funding model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD), Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)

Keywords

• Conservation nonprofit services
• National park stewardship
• Volunteer conservation programs
• Wildlife habitat protection
• Trail infrastructure construction

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington D.C.

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals worldwide, with monthly pledge options available. Donations are processed through the organization's website and are tax-deductible in the United States via the organization's 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor CREST.
2. Business Partnerships: Tourism businesses contribute through per-passenger donations (e.g., $15 per guest), in-kind support for volunteer transportation, free accommodation, product sales donations, or discounts for volunteers.
3. Foundation and Government Grants: Major project funding from organizations such as USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) for huemul conservation, Intrepid Foundation for microgrants, One Tree Planted for reforestation, and European Outdoor Conservation Association for infrastructure projects.
4. In-Kind Donations: The organization accepts tools, bus tickets, transportation, and other in-kind contributions to support projects and volunteers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Fundación Legacy is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes volunteers and channels donations, business partner contributions, and foundation grants to implement conservation and infrastructure projects in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Core activities include trail building, reforestation, invasive species control, eco-toilet installation, huemul deer conservation, community recycling programs, and sustainable tourism microgrants.

Product overview

The Torres del Paine Legacy Fund is a nonprofit organization that operates as a program under the fiscal sponsorship of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). Rather than offering a unified software product, the organization provides a portfolio of conservation and community development services including multi-day and single-day volunteer programs (Trail Building, Reforestation, Invasive Species Control, Eco-Toilets), the Huemul Conservation Project (Jekčal), Microgrants for Sustainable Tourism, and donation/partnership programs. These services work together to transform tourism into a force for positive change in Patagonia by channeling funds from supporters to address park priority challenges in collaboration with CONAF and local communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Volunteer Conservation Programs Multi-day (7-10 day) volunteer programs where Chilean participants work alongside Legacy Fund staff and CONAF park rangers on conservation and infrastructure projects in Torres del Paine National Park, including trail building, reforestation monitoring, invasive species control, and tree planting.
• 1-Day Citizen Scientist Program Single-day volunteer monitoring activities for tourists visiting Torres del Paine National Park, allowing visitors to participate in conservation work during their trip.
• Trail Building & Maintenance Services Sustainable trail construction and maintenance services for Torres del Paine National Park, including design, construction of boardwalks, bridges, and trail rerouting to protect habitats and provide safe visitor experiences.
• Reforestation & Ecological Restoration Holistic ecological restoration efforts in partnership with CONAF, including tree planting of lenga species, monitoring of juvenile plants, and reforestation of areas affected by forest fires (1985, 2005, 2011-2012).
• Invasive Species Control Control and removal of exotic flora species (particularly retamo/Cytisus striatus) from Torres del Paine National Park to protect native ecosystems and fauna. Since 2018, the team has removed more than 1.3 km squared of retamo.
• Eco-Toilet Installation & Maintenance Low-cost, low-maintenance urine-diverting toilet systems installed in backcountry campgrounds (Japonés, Pingo, Italiano) in partnership with Do Good Shit nonprofit, reducing helicopter waste removal needs by 25%.
• Community Development & Recycling Programs Community engagement initiatives including recycling infrastructure development (puntos verdes), Galpón Cultural Center support, educational talks, and sustainable tourism practices promotion.
• Huemul Conservation Project (Jekčal) Multi-faceted conservation initiative (2022-2024) to protect the endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) through habitat protection, visitor management, wildlife-friendly fencing, and community engagement, funded by USFWS.
• Microgrants for Sustainable Tourism COVID-19 reactivation funding program providing grants of $2.5-4 million CLP to local businesses in Última Esperanza for sustainable tourism projects, financed by The Intrepid Foundation.
• Donor & Partnership Programs Tax-deductible donation programs allowing individuals and businesses to support conservation efforts, including monthly pledges, in-kind donations, and business partnership opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Built more than 10 km of new sustainable trails and 600+ meters of boardwalks and bridges
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, key, minor and supporting.

• CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017CONAF is Chile's Forestry Corporation and the authority overseeing national park management. The Legacy Fund collaborates with CONAF under a formal agreement of mutual collaboration signed in early 2017 to jointly prioritize, plan, co-fund, and implement projects in Torres del Paine National Park. This partnership was expanded in January 2019 to cover all protected areas of Magallanes. The agreement leverages technical and financial resources for maximum impact and ensures alignment with local priorities.
• Conservation VIPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation VIP is a US-based nonprofit that organizes conservation-based service trips globally. They have collaborated with the Legacy Fund on trail construction (including a 10km trail between Paine Grande and Italiano campgrounds) and invested in suspension bridges. The organizations ensure their volunteer groups coincide and work together, creating valuable cultural exchange between Chilean volunteers, park rangers, and international visitors.
• Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCREST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington D.C. that serves as the Legacy Fund's fiscal sponsor. Through this partnership, the Legacy Fund leverages CREST's expertise, guidance, and leadership to implement impactful projects. CREST promotes responsible tourism policies and practices so local communities may thrive and steward their cultural resources and biodiversity.
• Chile Nativo TravelkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerChile Nativo is a Patagonian tour operator that declared a climate emergency and developed a climate action plan. They donate USD$15 for each guest to support Legacy Fund conservation projects and community development initiatives. This partnership demonstrates how tour operators can integrate giving back into their business model.
• Do Good ShitkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDo Good Shit is a nonprofit that provides low-cost, low-maintenance, high-performance remote waste management solutions. Partnered with the Legacy Fund to install three urine-diverting eco-toilets in backcountry campgrounds (Japonés, Pingo, and Italiano) between 2019-2021.
• PolivalenteminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural company that supported the installation of Eco-Domeo urine-diverting toilet technology in Torres del Paine backcountry campgrounds.
• CONAF SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChilean government agency providing non-pecuniary contributions to the Huemul conservation project, working alongside CONAF park management and the Chilean Ministry of the Environment.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational conservation organization. Fiorella Repetto-Giavelli, the Legacy Fund's Local Director, previously worked with WCS in the southern cone region on conservation and ecological restoration projects.
• KauyekensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization in the southern cone region. Fiorella Repetto-Giavelli, the Legacy Fund's Local Director, previously implemented projects with Kauyeken focusing on huemul conservation and trail management.
• Tourism DeclaressupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal initiative for tourism businesses to declare climate emergencies and commit to climate action plans. Partner organizations like Chile Nativo participate, directing donations to the Legacy Fund as part of their climate commitments.
• Tomorrow's AirsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerClimate alliance program between ecotourism agencies and large-scale climate engineering programs. Partner businesses like Chile Nativo are members and benefits providers, supporting carbon capture and native tree planting.
• Earthbound ProjectssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization collaborating with the Legacy Fund, CONAF, and Conservation VIP on the creation of a maintenance and management plan for the Base Torres trail as part of the huemul conservation project.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Yellowstone Forever: Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, funding education, conservation, and trail/infrastructure projects through donations, grants, and volunteer programs. The structural parallel to the Legacy Fund's role with CONAF in Torres del Paine is direct—both are the primary private fundraising vehicle for a flagship national park.
• Earthwatch Institute: Earthwatch Institute runs citizen-science expeditions where paying volunteers contribute to scientific data collection in natural areas—closely analogous to the Legacy Fund's 1-day citizen scientist program and multi-day volunteer model in Torres del Paine. Both organizations combine tourism, volunteer labor, and conservation research output.
• Sustainable Travel International: Sustainable Travel International is a nonprofit that helps tourism businesses adopt sustainability and climate action practices—an area where the Legacy Fund's Director Wes Espinosa previously worked. They share the mission of embedding giving-back mechanisms into tourism value chains, including climate action plans for tour operators like Chile Nativo.
• One Tree Planted: One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on reforestation worldwide that awarded a grant to the Legacy Fund to plant 10,000 lenga trees in Torres del Paine. It shares the Fund's tree-planting/monitoring model and individual-donor funding model, and they are direct funding partners in the same reforestation ecosystem.
• Conservation VIP: Conservation VIP is a U.S.-based nonprofit that organizes conservation-based service trips globally and is a core strategic partner of the Legacy Fund. They co-built the 10km Paine Grande-Italiano trail and coordinated volunteer trips with the Fund—running an almost identical model of mobilizing international volunteers for park infrastructure and conservation projects.
• Trees for All: Trees for All is a European nonprofit focused on reforestation and ecosystem restoration funded by individual donations and corporate partnerships. While based in Europe rather than Chile, they share the Legacy Fund's reforestation-of-fire-affected-areas mission, monitoring protocol, and individual-donor-driven funding model.
• Galápagos Conservation Trust: Galápagos Conservation Trust is a grantmaking foundation that funds conservation in a single iconic national park archipelago, similar to how the Legacy Fund concentrates resources in Torres del Paine. Both serve as destination-anchored conservation funding mechanisms tied to high-profile protected areas with significant tourism pressures.

Broad incumbents

• Wildlife Conservation Society: Wildlife Conservation Society is a major international conservation organization where the Legacy Fund's Local Director Fiorella Repetto-Giavelli previously worked on huemul conservation and ecological restoration in the southern cone. They operate at much greater scale and across more geographies but share the Fund's species-focused (huemul), landscape-level conservation approach in Patagonia.

Others

• Center for Responsible Travel (CREST): CREST is the Legacy Fund's 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor based in Washington D.C. that promotes responsible tourism policies and practices. While structurally a parent/fiscal sponsor rather than a peer, CREST shares the Fund's mission of advancing sustainable tourism and destination stewardship and provides institutional infrastructure for the Fund's U.S. operations.
• European Outdoor Conservation Association: EOCA is a charitable funding body supported by the outdoor industry that funds conservation projects worldwide, including the Legacy Fund's Dickson boardwalk project. They are a financial partner and represent the same kind of outdoor-industry-linked conservation funder the Fund relies on for capital project grants.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/torres-del-paine-legacy-fund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Torres del Paine Legacy Fund