In our 130th anniversary year – 2026 – we set the ambitious goal of raising €130,000 per ship. This is made possible through charity auctions, donations, and our Green Stay programme, where guests can choose to forego daily cabin servicing. Each night they do so, HX makes a financial contribution to the Foundation.

With a focused grant cycle, these are our five strategic partners for 2026:

In some of the most remote parts of the planet, vital ocean data is still missing. Through SOOP, the Ships of Opportunity Programme coordinated by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, the Alfred Wegener Institute, scientists use our ship MS Fridtjof Nansen as a floating laboratory, measuring CO2 in surface waters in Antarctica.

HX guests have the opportunity to explore alongside scientists, contributing to real-time ocean data that is shared globally via SOCAT to support climate research.

Our long-term partnership with the California Ocean Alliance supports marine research in Antarctica, helping to inform conservation and policy making.

Led by Dr Ari Friedlaender, scientists use HX ships to study whale health and behaviour using advanced tools such as drones and biologging tags. Through lectures and expert insights, this research is also brought to life for HX guests on board.

Across coastlines and waterways, communities are coming together to tackle one of the ocean’s biggest challenges: plastic pollution.

Through our partnership with Surfers Against Sewage, HX supports initiatives like the Million Mile Clean to mobilise communities to remove waste and collect data that drives change. On HX expeditions in the Scottish Isles, guests can also join guided beach cleans and hands-on conservation experiences.

Strong communities start with supported young people. This long-standing partnership focuses on helping children across Greenland through youth programmes, summer camps, and educational initiatives.

Working closely with communities, volunteers, and caregivers, this programme strengthens resilience and empowers young voices across some of Greenland’s most remote areas.

Behind every journey are communities that make it possible. This initiative focuses on expanding access to education in the Philippines, where many HX crew members come from.

We’re helping the OSM-AD Foundation to develop solar-powered learning centres in remote schools, bringing electricity, books, and modern learning tools to children who previously lacked basic resources. The result is improved attendance, stronger literacy, and higher overall performance.

In addition to our five anniversary grantees, we continue to run our award-winning Rapid Response Fund, enabling ship crews to swiftly distribute €1,000 grants to communities in need of on-site assistance. Existing partnerships with the RSPB, HappyWhale, and the Fundación Jocotoco wildlife petrel reserve in the Galápagos Islands also continue, alongside a selection of exceptional grants throughout the year.

If you’d like to make a donation to the HX Foundation, thank you! You’re helping turn good intentions into real-world impact. Every contribution, big or small, helps us do more of what matters.

You can donate via bank transfer to our USD or EUR accounts.

Need a receipt? Please email [email protected] and we’ll sort it out for you.

HX Foundation Inc. (EIN: 33-4354334) is recognised by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt nonprofit organisation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.