As a private, non-profit organization independent from governmental and religious funding, Global Volunteers' programs are financed almost entirely by volunteer contributions. This is important because since 1984, we've worked in partnership with primarily very economically impoverished communities, who cannot afford to pay for the services we provide. In fact, our paying volunteers provide important support that is out of reach for nearly all our host communities.
In addition to direct financial contributions to local communities' on-going projects, your service program fee pays your costs as Global Volunteers' "worker extension" in the host community. This includes your food, lodging, work site transportation, program materials, the services of a trained team leader, and administrative costs. In addition, we provide supplemental financing to help meet our host's many, on-going and special needs. But you benefit as well: As an "extension" of our organization, if you are a U.S. taxpayer, you receive the benefit of our 501-C3 status. This means you can deduct the cost of your service program fee from your taxes.
Here's how Charity Guide explains the purpose of a service fee:
Though a few (longer-term) projects pay a stipend to volunteers, most volunteer vacations will actually cost you money. Why? Because volunteers are asked to pay for their own travel expenses, and even non-profit agencies need to be reimbursed for recruiting costs, volunteer training, and on-site coordination. Volunteer vacation program fees range from $50 to $3,000+, depending on the agency's degree of involvement and the accommodation provided.
Volunteer vacation program fees are relatively small when accommodation is "basic", such as a tent in a national park, and when volunteers prepare their own meals. At the other extreme, program fees charged by organizations such as Global Volunteers can be as high as a few thousand dollars. But, in return for higher fees comes the comfort and safety you pay for: extensive pre-trip reading materials, someone to escort you from the airport, security when using public transportation in high risk areas, on-site training, hotel accommodation, prepared meals, a volunteer coordinator on-site at all times, assistance dealing with local officials, etc. As well, Global Volunteers will use part of your program fee to pay for supplies donated to the hospital, school, or community being served.
LeAnn Joy Adam described the benefits of paying a program fee to volunteer when she worked as the Overseas Resource Coordinator at Stanford University:
- Orientation. Including important pre-departure reading material as well as on-site orientation on local culture, history and customs.
- Arranged accommodations. Providing an important connection to the culture and a first-hand view of social and political events in the country.
- A safety net. Staff to provide logistical and emotional support.
- Clear expectations. Your responsibilities (in the host community) are clear and well-defined.
- Affordability. When you calculate the difference between traveling to a country on your own and the cost of participating in a program, you might be surprised by how little the difference is.
