AHLA Foundation Unites Survivor Advocates, Government Experts, and Hotel Industry Leaders to Advance Lasting Solutions to Prevent Human Trafficking

The AHLA Foundation today convened survivor advocates, hotel industry leaders, and government experts at its annual No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit to advance best practices and reaffirm a collective commitment to combating human trafficking through collaboration, education, and grant-making. The event coincided with the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

At the Summit, the Foundation announced that the NRFT Survivor Fund has reached a significant $10 million milestone, with $5 million in matching funds coming from the AHLA Foundation, enabling expanded grantmaking to organizations that provide critical services and resources that support survivors on their path forward. The Foundation also recognized 2026 Survivor Fund grantees. This year, total grant-making increased by almost 30 percent over last year, reaching new organizations across a wider geographic footprint. 

“The No Room for Trafficking initiative continues to expand its reach and impact, further uniting the hotel industry and partner organizations across the country to combat human trafficking,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA Foundation President & CEO. “Reaching this significant fundraising milestone strengthens our ability to work together with these organizations and build on the progress we have made.”

The Summit featured several keynotes and panel discussions, including insights from lived experience experts on the complexities of survivor employment, sessions with vendors and industry stakeholders, and a first-ever Technology Showcase, highlighting how non-profit organizations on the front lines are innovating to support survivors in their communities and beyond. 

Since 2023, the Survivor Fund has awarded more than $3 million to support community-based, anti-human trafficking organizations and initiatives nationwide. Grantees for 2026 include nine survivor-founded organizations and several others advancing prevention and survivor support efforts, including:

• 3Strands Global – Northern California
• ALIGHT – Los Angeles, CA, CO, UT
• AnnieCannons – Nationwide (virtual)
• FAIR Girls – Washington, D.C. area
• Ho’ola Na Pua – Hawaii
• Love Never Fails – Northern California
• My Life My Choice – Eastern Massachusetts
• Rebecca Bender Initiative – Nationwide (virtual)
• Restore NYC – New York City, NY
• Safety Compass – NW Oregon
• Salt and Light Coalition – Illinois and Indiana
• Scarlet Road – NW Washington
• Survivor Alliance – Nationwide (virtual)
• The Dragonfly Home – Central Oklahoma
• Wellspring Living – Greater Atlanta, Georgia
• WillowBend Farms – TN, AL, KY, GA, NC

These grants are made possible through new and renewed commitments from Survivor Fund founding and supporting companies, including Accor, Aimbridge Hospitality, Choice Hotels International, Extended Stay America, G6, Hilton Global Foundation, Hyatt Hotels Foundation, ISHP, KSL Resorts, Marriott International, and Red Roof Inn. Encore and LAZ also made significant contributions to the Survivor Fund, demonstrating how AHLA Premier Partners and Allied members can play a meaningful role in supporting this industry-wide initiative.

“Each year, the NRFT Summit brings together an extraordinary community of survivor advocates, experts and hospitality leaders united by a shared commitment to preventing human trafficking,” said Joan Bottarini, NRFT Advisory Council Co-Chair and Chief Financial Officer at Hyatt. “We’re grateful for the partners and supporters who are true champions of this movement and whose commitment continues to expand our collective impact for survivors and communities.”

The AHLA Foundation’s efforts to combat human trafficking are guided by the NRFT Advisory Council, composed of executive leaders across the hospitality industry.For more information about the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking initiative, visit:  https://www.ahlafoundation.org/nrft/.