fund volunteer work

Volunteer work or an internship abroad always involves costs. Since our program is not state-funded, you as a participant:in bear the costs for this yourself.

There are various ways to finance your stay abroad. We will show you below 10 Reviewsto fund your volunteer work. With these tips, some initiative, creativity and enthusiasm, you will definitely be able to realize your assignment abroad.

1) create financial and schedule

First of all, you should get a rough overview of the sum of the costs of your mission. In our project descriptions you will find the fees with the services included and not included. All additional costs, such as vaccinations, insurance or free time, can be easily requested from us or the relevant authorities.

Once you have put everything together, you can use a table to list how much money you need in total, how much before you leave and how much you need each month during your assignment. So you have an overview of all costs. Now create a schedule by when and how you want to raise the money. This will help you to implement your plan.

2) side job and savings

If you can't access what you've already saved and you don't have a permanent job, a part-time job will do! There are plenty of odd jobs: waiting tables, gardening, retail, delivering newspapers or babysitting... Find out more in your town or search online platforms for job offers.

3) Private Sponsoring / Private Circle of Sponsors

Another possibility is private sponsorship or the founding of a private support group. Share your enthusiasm for your project with your family, friends, relatives and neighbors or teachers, for example, and tell them about your project. You can also use social media to draw the attention of many people to your future volunteer work or internship abroad.

Certainly some will be willing to contribute a one-off or monthly amount. If several people donate a small amount to you, a lot can come together! It is best to always thank them personally, for example with a postcard or with photos of your assignment. In this way you give them something back and can give them an insight into your volunteer stay.

4) sales promotions

Sales campaigns are a simple and effective way of raising money for your stay abroad. For example, sell homemade muffins and coffee at school, university or work. Or combine your sales campaign with a clearing out! You probably have things like clothes, books or furniture that you've been wanting to clear out for a long time.

There are enough internet platforms where you can offer them. Alternatively, flea markets are also a possibility. If you are creative and have a great idea, you can also design and sell something yourself. Or are you perhaps a gifted musician? Then give it a try with street music! You can also collect money for your project this way.

5) fundraisers

You can organize a benefit event in a private or public setting. This can be, for example, a dinner together, a party or a barbecue. If it is a private event in a smaller circle, the organization is quite uncomplicated:

Think about which rooms you can use free of charge or cheaply (e.g. garden, classroom or garage). Ask a few friends or acquaintances to help you prepare for the event and provide music during the event, for example. You can then request a solidarity contribution for your event.

Make the guests aware that the event is for a good cause. You can do this with your invitation, posters about your project or a short speech.

But be careful: As soon as it is no longer a private but a public event with admission, the following points must be observed:

• GEMA must be paid if music subject to GEMA is played
• Youth Protection Act and Restaurant Act come into force
• Permission must be requested from the municipality
• Under certain circumstances, the Ordinance on Places of Assembly may come into force

6) Donation platforms and fundraising

If you have already checked out all your relatives and acquaintances, you can go one step further and make your project public. There are some websites where you can implement appeals for donations or fundraising campaigns for your project. With the help of various campaigns and strategic communication, you specifically call on companies, communities or the general public to support your project with donations.

Otherwise, you can also ask a local radio station or newspaper if you can present your project and make a call for donations.

7) Scholarships

Many charities and government agencies offer study abroad grants. Note that you should apply for a scholarship in good time. Funding is usually limited. Many funding programs are aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 26, at most 30 years. In particular, projects that promote international exchange and sustainable development are subsidised. Previous commitment and good language skills are usually a prerequisite or increase the chance of receiving a scholarship. Also Rainbow Garden Village offers one scholarship

8) (Statutory) subsidies of state institutions

In addition to scholarships, there are other ways of receiving public funding, some of which you are even entitled to by law. Your parents will receive child benefit up to the age of 25 if you are in education. We will be happy to issue you with an internship certificate, which in most cases will be recognized by the child benefit office.

If your volunteer project or internship abroad is study-related, there is a possibility that the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) reimburses the flight fees and you receive a financial subsidy for your project. If you do an internship abroad, you can apply for foreign BAföG. Even if you are not already receiving BAföG, you may be entitled to it BAföG. Simply find out more at auslandsbafoeg.de. Another option for grants is Erasmus plus.

In addition, many public institutions have a specific budget that they invest in promoting the engagement of young people in other countries (especially developing countries). Just ask your university / college, school, community or city administration whether they have such a "funding pot" and whether they would like to support your project.

Also the reference from Child benefit abroad during voluntary service is possible. Even if the program is not government-funded, this support can provide significant financial relief.

9) Check with former volunteers

Of course, there are many other ways to bring the money together for your stay abroad. Also read in any case Testimonials and ask former volunteers and interns abroad. You will certainly get one or two valuable tips from people who speak from experience.

10) Be creative and committed!

As you can see, there are numerous funding opportunities to finance your volunteer work. Now it's up to you to take action! If you are convinced of your project, you will certainly infect others with your enthusiasm. Get involved and let your creativity and imagination run wild!