Information for Volunteers
On this page, you'll find a number of frequently asked questions. Don't see your question? Don't hesitate to call or email us. We're happy to help you further!
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is work that you do unpaid and voluntarily, for others, for society, and certainly for yourself. You do this at a non-profit organization. This can be in areas such as healthcare, welfare, sports, nature, culture, and education.
For many people, volunteering is an enjoyable way to meet new people, gain experience, spend their free time, and develop themselves. It’s a way to participate in society. Volunteering can sometimes increase your chances of getting paid work.
What kind of volunteer work is right for me?
Want to start volunteering but not sure what exactly? Or are you unsure if volunteering is right for you? Take one of the volunteer tests on our website to discover what type of volunteer you are. Click here for the test.
Am I insured while doing volunteer work?
Accidents or damages can also occur during volunteer work. The municipality of Apeldoorn has a collective volunteer insurance policy. All volunteers in the municipality of Apeldoorn are automatically insured. Click here for more information.
Do I need a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) as a volunteer?
Organizations that work with children, youth, people with intellectual disabilities or mental health issues, and vulnerable elderly people may require a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) from you as a volunteer. They can request this for you free of charge. Click here for more information.
What about expense and volunteer allowances?
At various organizations, volunteers receive reimbursement for expenses/travel costs or a small volunteer allowance. The tax authorities set rules regarding the amount of these allowances. Check here to see how much volunteer allowance you may receive.
Do you receive benefits? Then you must also comply with the rules of the benefits agency. For more information, visit the website of the national government or the UWV.
Is it possible for status holders/refugees to volunteer?
Yes, even asylum seekers without a residence permit are allowed to do volunteer work, but there are some conditions. Read more here.
I receive social assistance / Wajong / unemployment benefits / pension. Can I do volunteer work?
In general, this is possible. Volunteering is a good way to regain your work routine and gain work experience. You also meet new people, and it can provide a meaningful way to spend your day. The rights and obligations regarding volunteering vary depending on the type of benefit and the benefits agency. Therefore, it’s important to get informed. For more information, see the websites of the national government or the UWV.
Which organizations can and may you volunteer for?
According to the Income Tax Act, a volunteer is someone who does not perform work as a profession for a non-profit organization. If you do unpaid work for a commercial organization (i.e., one with a profit motive), the government considers you an unpaid employee. As a result, you cannot claim volunteer insurance or the tax-free volunteer allowance. This applies to all companies, family businesses, and profit-oriented organizations that are not recognized as public benefit organizations (ANBI) and are not sports clubs or sports foundations.
At what age can you start volunteering?
The same rules apply to volunteering as to paid work. This means that young people under 16 are generally not allowed to volunteer, with some exceptions, such as for the Social Internship. There are also some conditions for 16- and 17-year-olds. There is no legal maximum age limit for volunteering. Want to know more? Click here.
What are my rights and obligations as a volunteer?
Once you’ve chosen volunteer work, a trial period can be beneficial for both parties. The organization and volunteer should be able to rely on each other. But you also have rights as a volunteer, such as guidance and/or training. It’s important to make clear agreements. A volunteer contract is not mandatory but does provide clarity. The most important matters to agree on include the types of tasks, working hours, and expense reimbursement. It’s wise to discuss this with the organization at the start of your volunteer work.