What you need to know about the QT Impact Fund

Our mission is clear: we aim to mobilize $100M for global cultural, environmental and tourism regeneration by 2030. How are we doing this? The QT Impact Fund. Aimed at travelers, institutions and corporations who care about regenerating the world, the QT Impact Fund allows for direct investment into community-led initiatives. These initiatives enable grassroots leaders, innovators and scholars to create positive change in their communities. Quantum Temple’s Project Manager Maite Galindez explains all you need to know.

Why was the QT Impact Fund established?

“Quantum Temple’s Impact Fund was established as an initiative to support the communities with whom we collaborate on social development projects. Our primary objectives were to promote cultural preservation, stimulate economic development, and ensure sustainability.

The Impact Fund plays a pivotal role in our mission. Its primary purpose is to identify community needs, provide funding for locally-led initiatives that address these needs, closely monitor project development, and raise awareness about these projects.”

What is the process for selecting Impact Fund projects?

“Today, our application process is open to all communities interested in pursuing a local initiative related to one of our impact pillars. We have a rigorous process for assessing project success, beginning with project selection. We seek projects that align with our focus areas, have well-defined objectives, and measurable outcomes. We collaborate closely with the community to create an action plan and support them throughout the project’s development.

Building long-lasting relationships with communities is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of our projects. These relationships start with the community understanding Quantum Temple and our organizational goals. Our on-site team, comprised of locals who understand the community’s realities, plays a pivotal role in building close connections.

To assess the impact of our projects, we design a set of metrics that help us understand their success. Some key aspects we consider during evaluations include the project’s environmental footprint, economic growth, research contributions, community engagement levels, and long-term sustainability.”

How do you track the progress of Impact Fund projects?

“I believe that monitoring and tracking represent the most critical aspect of our program because it's where the true learning process takes place. To achieve this, we have an incredible team of local individuals who have dedicated significant time to building strong relationships with the communities, greatly facilitating the project implementation. An integral part of our proposals involves creating a detailed roadmap in which we break down the project into phases and milestones. Having a clear understanding of what needs to be done before proceeding is key to making steady progress. Additionally, we have established a process of visits and the preparation of monthly reports that address the progress of each of our projects.”

What is the vision for the Impact Fund?

“The ultimate vision of the Impact Fund is to create self-sustaining projects that enhance the quality of life for the communities we work with. This extends beyond economic development, encompassing the preservation of cultural heritage, fostering intergenerational connections, and promoting environmental stewardship.”

What is cultural, environmental and tourism regeneration? 

“Cultural regeneration is the preservation of cultural heritage, including protecting, restoring and promoting cultural heritage assets, such as historic buildings, artworks, traditions and customs. 

Environmental conservation includes conserving and protecting natural ecosystems, such as forests and coastal areas, while tourism regeneration includes fostering community-based tourism that involves the local population and boosts the local economy.”

What has the QT Impact Fund achieved so far?

QUANTUM TEMPLE has established a dedicated Impact Fund for Indonesia, concentrating contributions in pillars such as Community-based Tourism, Cultural Revitalization, Education, Infrastructure and Research. 

“We are committed to driving economic and social development for local stakeholders within the tourism and creative economy sector through investment in education, infrastructure and technology,” says Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia. “Quantum Temple's initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable and regenerative tourism, offering a unique blend of technological innovation and community involvement.”

One notable project thus far is the rice paddies project that aimed to investigate whether a new rice cultivation regime could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase crop yields. The results of the initial experiment with 18 farmers concluded that emissions decreased by 85% and yield rose by 35%. Read more about this report here.

How can you contribute to the Impact Fund?

Contributing to the QT Impact Fund is possible for all QT Passport holders on their profile page, through a one-time payment or monthly subscription. It is an accessible way to contribute to cultural, environmental and tourism regeneration, with a sliding pay scale.