Service Program Contribition

As an independent non-profit, Global Volunteers relies on volunteer contributions—not government or religious funding—to serve communities that can’t afford these services on their own.

Bonus for U.S. taxpayers: Your entire service program—including airfare—is tax-deductible, making your investment in global service even more valuable.

You service program contribution covers:

  • ACCOMMODATION

  • THREE MEALS DAILY

  • Ground Transportation

  • Project Materials

  • Professional in-country staff

  • On-site orientation

  • 24-hour emergency phone contact

  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance

  • Global Volunteers Manual

  • COMMUNITY HANDBOOK

  • CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH TEACHING GUIDE

  • Program Coordination & Administration

What Else Do I Have to Pay For?

You must pay separately for: Airfare or other travel to the site, visas, free-time expenses, alcoholic beverages, and trip cancellation insurance. In addition, if you prefer a private room, where available, you will pay a single-room option fee.

Single Room Option and Fee

Our volunteer lodging is generally budgeted for double-occupancy accommodation in hotels and guest houses. As a courtesy, we make available an option for single occupancy, on a first-requested basis, where and when it’s available in the same manner as in the tourist industry. Please note that a single room can be costly, depending upon the base hotel room charge and the added cost for the displaced individual in this arrangement. Private rooms are possible only when such arrangements don’t raise the cost of lodging for the entire team. Not all accommodations can provide this option for you.

Calculating the single room option fee:

Costs for lodging are calculated up to a year in advance, based upon historical numbers of single room requests for the specific accommodations. When setting the fee for a single room, we anticipate the likely number of single rooms within the contracted period with our vendor.  The fee you pay is based on the difference between single and double room charges within our contract, plus the cost for the single room of the displaced volunteer.

Availability of single occupancy rooms:

Sometimes, the team configuration will produce a “default” single room which may be offered to volunteers in order of registration. However, no guarantees are promised until the program begins. Late volunteer cancellations/additions and hotel capacity can change up to the time of check-in. The only certain way to secure a private room is to request one at the time you register for your program. If you cancel your place on a team within 90 days of departure, standard refund policies apply, minus single room cancellation fees assessed by the hotel.

How to Pay for Your Service Program

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $350 due at registration to secure your place
  • Balance: Due 90 days before your service program begins

Payment Methods

  • Credit Card
    Pay securely online or over the phone using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or other major credit cards.
  • ACH Transfer or Bank Wire
    Make direct transfers from your bank account. Contact our office for wire instructions and account details.
  • IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
    If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your IRA to cover your service program contribution. This counts toward your required minimum distribution while supporting meaningful service.
  • Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
    Direct a grant from your DAF to Global Volunteers to cover your service program contribution. This allows you to use funds you’ve already set aside for charitable giving.
  • Company Matching Programs
    Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees. Check if your company offers matching gifts to potentially double your impact—and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
  • Fundraising
    Many volunteers choose to fundraise for their service program through friends, family, or community networks. We can provide resources and support to help with your fundraising efforts. Learn more about fundraising. 
  • Scholarships
    Many scholarships are offered by foundations and other third parties for volunteer service with Global Volunteers because we are a 501 (c)(3) organization. Research these opportunities online or in foundation directories. One source is Fast Web. Hosteling International offers $2,000 to individuals ages 18-30 for service and educational travel internationally and in the U.S.

Click here to add your own text

Questions about your service program contribution? Contact us to speak with one of our volunteer coordinator experts. We’ll be happy to help you choose the best payment option for your circumstances and identify any discounts or credits you may qualify for.

Payment Schedule

  • Deposit: $350 due at registration to secure your place
  • Balance: Due 90 days before your service program begins

Payment Methods

  • Credit Card
    Pay securely online or over the phone using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or other major credit cards.
  • ACH Transfer or Bank Wire
    Make direct transfers from your bank account. Contact our office for wire instructions and account details.
  • IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
    If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your IRA to cover your service program contribution. This counts toward your required minimum distribution while supporting meaningful service.
  • Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
    Direct a grant from your DAF to Global Volunteers to cover your service program contribution. This allows you to use funds you’ve already set aside for charitable giving.
  • Company Matching Programs
    Many employers match charitable contributions made by their employees. Check if your company offers matching gifts to potentially double your impact—and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
  • Fundraising
    Many volunteers choose to fundraise for their service program through friends, family, or community networks. We can provide resources and support to help with your fundraising efforts. Learn more about fundraising. 
  • Scholarships
    Many scholarships are offered by foundations and other third parties for volunteer service with Global Volunteers because we are a 501 (c)(3) organization. Research these opportunities online or in foundation directories. One source is Fast Web. Hosteling International offers $2,000 to individuals ages 18-30 for service and educational travel internationally and in the U.S.