“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless”. ~ Sherry Anderson
Why pay to volunteer?
Once registering for volunteer you’re donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through our structured project. However, even volunteering comes at a cost, especially if you want to support long-term, meaningful projects where they’re needed most. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering. In short, you’re paying for an option you can trust, an option that will ensure that your trip is worthwhile. It’s an option that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you’ve chosen to work with.
Where does the money go?
We are an independent organization that doesn’t rely on fundraising or government funding to achieve social goals. We get all our funding from the fees paid by our volunteers. These fees go towards the costs of your trip and long-term support for the project you work on. We also use these funds for infrastructure needed to make sure our projects and social goals are sustainable and successful. All our work is 100% funded through your contributions as a volunteer.
It’s this financial independence that gives us the freedom to set up projects in seven rural villages where we believe that our volunteers can make a valuable contribution.We want to be as open as possible about how your volunteer fees are spent, but it isn’t possible to give exact details of how each individual volunteer’s contributions are distributed. However, we have set out the average percentages and some clear explanations. We’ve put together a detailed guide on how your fees are distributed.
Direct costs of the volunteer experience: 29% average
Although you’re volunteering your time, there are costs associated with your experience in a country that need to be covered. These daily costs include meals, accommodation, transport between your accommodation and placement, airport transfers. Volunteer fees also help fund project activities and pay for much needed resources, from school supplies to construction materials and many more.
Indirect costs of the volunteer experience: 22% average
Our volunteers benefit from the knowledge and experience of our local staff. These staff members provide full-time support to volunteers, build relationships with local project partners, and make sure that each project is always working towards worthwhile goals. Part of your fee covers their salaries, benefits and regular training, all year round. Other indirect costs include local office rent, utilities, equipment, and communication infrastructure. We also must pay government registration costs.
Organizational costs: 13% average
Running an organization working in seven remote villages requires us to invest in human resources, administration, financial controls, and IT.
Recruitment and communication: 24% average
We believe that recruitment and communication are important long-term investments in sustaining our projects. Effective recruitment and communication allows us to attract more participants, which in turn allows us to aim for larger social goals.
Excess of revenue over costs: 12% average
As a well-run organization, building up a reserve helps in time of emergency, as we did with disaster relief efforts in Nepal Earthquake 2015. It gives our staff, volunteers and interns significantly added security, as the organization can keep operating and supporting projects during times when there are low numbers of volunteers.
Your fees make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of children in need and the communities we work. It directly funds the project you volunteer on, and has a ripple effect in the local community.
No matter the project, all your fees go towards one goal: Better education for all.
