Development Cooperation - Support for Volunteering

The funding initiative for volunteer service in development cooperation supports young volunteers from Carinthia who commit to at least two months of voluntary work in a social or church institution in a developing country. Private applicants with their primary residence in Carinthia are granted subsidies of up to a maximum of €500 to cover part of the accommodation costs. The funding is open-ended and can be continuously applied for from January 1, 2026. Eligible expenses include costs for accommodation, meals, and basic travel or logistical expenses, which must be borne independently within the framework of a personal volunteer service.

For the application, a curriculum vitae, confirmation from the sending or receiving organization, a detailed cost breakdown, and a mandatory declaration in accordance with the funding guidelines must be submitted. A prerequisite is cooperation with a relevant sponsoring organization in the target country and proof of primary residence in Carinthia. The processing is carried out by the Department of European and International Affairs of the Office of the Carinthian State Government. The aim of the measure is to enable young people to gain practical experience in rural development regions, strengthen intercultural competencies, and promote civil society dialogue between Carinthia and partner regions. This program contributes to exchanging local knowledge and supporting sustainable development processes on site.