Purpose-Driven Travel: How Give-Back Experiences Strengthen Teams

Today’s meetings and incentive trips are evolving. Attendees have a desire to complement their luxurious destinations and engaging agendas with giving back opportunities—they want to make a purposeful impact. They want experiences that feel meaningful, foster real connections, and make a difference in the world around them. 

We are seeing a growing demand for volunteer and give-back programs as part of meeting travel, particularly with incentive travel. Whether it’s packing care kits for a local shelter or helping build homes abroad, these experiences aren’t just good for the world—they’re great for your team. 

Why Purpose Matters More Than Ever

In a world where corporate culture and employee engagement matter more than ever, purpose-driven programs are proving to be powerful motivators. Teams bond more deeply when they work together to give back. The impact is long-lasting and goes far beyond the typical team building or group dinner. 

• According to CECP’s Giving in Numbers report, 89% of leading companies offer volunteer opportunities as part of their employee engagement strategy.  

• Companies with strong social responsibility programs report 13% higher employee retention. 

• Employees who participate in volunteer programs are 57% more likely to feel connected to their company’s culture. 

• A Deloitte study found that 77% of employees believe volunteering is essential to employee well-being. 

We’ve found that including purpose-centered experiences in meeting and incentive travel: 

• Foster emotional connection 

• Inspire gratitude and empathy 

• Reinforce your organization’s core values 

• Offer meaningful ways to engage all generations of employees 

Curated Volunteer Opportunities, Tailored to Your Goals

Not every company or team is the same, which is why we customize every give-back experience we deliver. From small, hands-on projects to full-day immersive programs, we align each experience with your mission, event format, and location. 

Some of our most impactful programs include: 

• Building care kits for disaster relief or under-resourced communities 

• Supporting local nonprofits through food drives, literacy programs, or environmental clean-ups 

• Volunteering globally with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Pack for a Purpose, Travel Elevates, and PACT 

•  Providing school supplies to local students within a community that is need 

Each project creates real value! Not just for the communities involved, but also for the people participating. In fact, Fox clients report a notable increase in post-event satisfaction scores when volunteerism is included, along with a 25% increase in team engagement metrics measured in post-program feedback. 

From Team Building to Life Changing

One of the most powerful aspects of these programs is how they transform people’s perspectives. After building a care kit or painting a school in a developing community, attendees often leave with more than a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they also gain a new understanding of purpose, privilege, and connection. 

That impact doesn’t fade once the event ends. It carries into the workplace, shaping how teams collaborate, support one another, and understand the bigger picture of their roles. 

Let’s Build Something That Matters

We believe your events should reflect your values. With Fox Meetings & Incentives, you can combine expertly managed meetings and incentive travel with curated give-back programs that inspire purpose and deliver real impact. 

Purpose-driven programs. Real impact. 
Let’s create something meaningful, together. 

Connect with our team to explore how to add give-back experiences to your next event.