Sometimes people ask “why do I have to pay to volunteer?”

The answer is quite simple – realistically nothing is free!

Volunteering in another country is different from volunteering locally at home. Volunteers who travel abroad need food and accommodation, as well as local transportation and orientation to ensure safety while living and volunteering abroad. Projects often cannot afford the costs of volunteers, even though the help the volunteers provide is greatly needed. By paying towards the cost of your expenses you are doubly helping projects by giving your money and your help!

There are different ways to raise the money for your programme costs.

A few areas are:

Fundraising - this is a great way of raising awareness about the community and the project you are going to, and of getting your friends and family involved. Raising awareness in order to raise money for yourself also aids the project by highlighting the work they are doing. There are lots of ideas, especially if you search the internet – here is a useful link for starters

Company sponsorship – your place of work or other local companies may be interested in supporting your experience, especially if the project you are going to has some links with the business of the company. Remember though – the company may want something in return. At the very least you will be expected to advertise the fact that the company has sponsored you.

Travel Awards – EIL has two trust funds which allow us to make awards to individuals who could not afford to travel but for whom the experience would be truly beneficially. An application form for TEIL or Elphick Scholarship funding is available on request from EIL UK.

This might be worth looking at if you are looking for sponsorship for volunteering (but please remember EIL is not responsible for any information provided by external sites.)