Volunteer Fund Upper Austria

The Volunteer Fund Upper Austria supports associations and non-profit limited liability companies based in Upper Austria in the implementation of innovative and sustainable projects that strengthen volunteer work in the long term. Funding is provided for measures to recruit new volunteers, specialized offers for specific target groups such as youth or seniors, as well as special initiatives that make volunteer work permanently attractive. As funding in the form of a one-time grant of up to €3,000 per project year, all costs directly related to the project can be considered. Evaluation takes place year-round based on the criteria of degree of innovation, contribution to the sustainable securing of volunteer work, and appropriateness of the submitted total costs. Projects may start no earlier than January 1, 2026, and last up to 12 months. Applications can be submitted free of charge from January 1, 2025.

For the application, a detailed project description, a cost breakdown or financing plan, an excerpt from the association register or confirmation of non-profit status, as well as the current association statutes or articles of association must be submitted. Upon completion of the project, proof of use – for example, in the form of a list of receipts and a brief final report – must be provided. The Volunteer Service Center of the Upper Austrian State Government reviews the documents and decides on the grant based on the "General Funding Guidelines of the State of Upper Austria" as well as the specific guidelines for the Volunteer Fund. In doing so, the fund makes a significant contribution to preserving and further developing the strong culture of voluntary engagement in Upper Austria.