Find your volunteer opportunities: from grants to management training
Grants for journalists, project management, and psychological support for volunteers in Ukraine and Europe
When we hear the word «volunteer», we often picture someone who dedicates their time and energy to a good cause. However, today’s volunteer programs offer much more than just the chance to help. Many programs provide funding for your activities, cover educational expenses, and open doors to new opportunities.
Projects for Ukrainians
In Ukraine, several programs provide both valuable experience and additional funding for volunteers, along with professional skills that will always be useful.
Grants for journalists
The Europe Ukraine Desk program offers journalists up to 5,000 euros. The funds can be used to create and publish material about Ukraine in European media. Teams of two to four people are eligible, with at least one journalist from the EU and one from Ukraine. Teams can produce reports, articles, comics, photo projects, podcasts, documentaries, or books.
This year's application deadline is August 1, but other similar programs offer journalists a chance to advance to a new level.
Volunteer management training
The Ukrainian Volunteer Service (UVS) conducts management courses to teach how to lead volunteer teams. The program includes three-day workshops and thematic seminars. The workshops last 24 hours and cover topics like attracting, adapting, and retaining volunteers. The seminars, lasting four hours, provide practical tools for these topics, allowing volunteers to apply their knowledge immediately.
For more details, visit the website.
Psychological Support «Volunteer Shield»
Ukrainian specialists have come together to «compensate» for the psychological toll on volunteers: to support their mental well-being. It’s not sustainable to constantly invest energy in helping others without addressing personal energy and mental stability. «Volunteer Shield» helps prevent this.
Free psychological support is available to any volunteer. As program psychologists say, there won’t be discussions about childhood dreams or soft couches from movies — only professional, targeted assistance. Sessions are available individually and in groups.
To access help, visit the «Volunteer Shield» website.
International Programs
Expanding development in unique conditions can offer valuable skills, new connections, and language practice. International programs are available for almost anyone to join.
Finnish National Agency for Education
The Finnish education system allows adult Ukrainians to apply for courses, including Finnish or Swedish language classes. A personalized integration plan is provided if needed.
Ukrainians can access basic, special, and professional education. Regardless of the choice, students receive a certificate upon course completion. Additionally, general secondary education enables further studies at universities.
Learn more on the Finnish National Agency for Education website.
European Solidarity Corps
The European Solidarity Corps opens doors for young people, offering unique opportunities to participate in volunteer projects both within and outside Europe.
The program focuses on three main areas:
Environmental protection and support for migrants, including working on ecological projects, assisting migrants, or organizing events.
Addressing social issues through initiatives aimed at improving local community life.
Humanitarian aid, including projects to help victims of natural disasters and conflicts.
Funding for volunteers is provided through application competitions. The organization covers essential expenses: housing, food, round-trip transport, visa and residence permit, medical insurance, and language courses, with additional funds for personal expenses.
Volunteering is available not only in EU countries and the UK but also in Albania, Georgia, Iceland, Turkey, and 23 other participating countries.
Find out how to join the program on their website.
Youthpass
Youthpass is an EU certificate recognizing the results of non-formal learning through the Erasmus+ program and the European Solidarity Corps. It highlights active participation and real skills, unlike other certificates that simply acknowledge course completion.
Youthpass includes eight competencies, with two relevant to volunteering: social competence and civic competence.
Learn how to obtain the certificate on the Youthpass website.
Volunteering is not just about giving but also about receiving. The programs listed are just a part of the extensive options available. Help out and accept help!