Volunteering is a great experience and a good way to give something back while travelling. That’s why more and more people decide to volunteer abroad and support a good cause. There’s only one question that often arises: How do I pay for my volunteer abroad trip?
As a volunteer abroad you will often stay at the project site, get meals, training, equipment and much more. Long story short: You’re causing costs for the social project that already has a hard time funding itself. That’s why you’re often asked to cover your own costs or donate to the project. Luckily, you have many options to fund your trip. One of them is to apply for volunteer abroad grants and scholarships:
Volunteer Forever Travel Scholarship
Volunteer Forever is a website that allows people to start a fundraising campaign for their volunteer abroad journey. Since 2014, Volunteer Forever also awards travel scholarships to support dedicated volunteers. The scholarship is open to residents of the U.S., Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the EU. They recommend to apply once you are accepted into a volunteer program. The scholarship winners directly receive the winning amount and can use it for the program fees, travel cost, insurance and other expenses. Check out their website to learn more about it: http://scholarship.volunteerforever.com/signup-1/
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a scholarship of $10,000—$15,000 for one year of volunteering anywhere in the world. You’re eligible if you’re a college student in your senior year and want to spend one year engaging in a meaningful activity before starting your career or going back to school. Each year’s application deadline is in January, but make sure to double check and inform yourself about the application here: https://www9.nationalgridus.com/huntington.asp
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
The Gloria Barron Prize honors young people who have made a positive difference to people and the planet. You’re eligible if you’re a U.S. or Canadian citizen, between the age of 8 and 18 years, and have organized an “extraordinary service activity”. Of the 364 young people honored by the Barron Prize since its inception, 236 have done humanitarian service work, and 128 have done environmental service work. Find out more about the prize here: http://barronprize.org/
LIVFund Scholarship
LivFund is dedicated to supporting volunteer, study and internship opportunities in Latin America. The scholarship was established to help with the funding of these opportunities and to make the important cultural exchange possible. LivFund accepts applications year-round and awards two scholarships of $ 500 each month. You have to be at least 18 years old to apply. It doesn’t matter if you’re still in your home country or already in Latin America when you apply. Find out more here: http://www.livfund.org/scholarship/what-is-the-livfund-scholarship/
The Ambassadors Scholarship Foundation
With the aim to enhance international understanding and friendship, the Ambassadors Scholarship Foundation supports people who participate in educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities within other countries. You’re applicable if you are a legal resident of the U.S., the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Find information on how to apply and the current scholarship opportunities here: http://www.ambassadorsgiving.org/Apply.html
Ready for your own volunteer abroad adventure?
Now you know all about your funding opportunities and the volunteer abroad scholarships that can help you with your travel costs. The next step is to find and compare volunteer abroad opportunities. Find the volunteer program that suits you perfectly on Volunteer World and get in touch with the social project easily. Do you know of other volunteer abroad grants or scholarships that aren’t listed above? Let us know in the comment section!