Volunteer Abroad Scholarships & Grants You Should Apply For

Volunteering abroad is a great way to see the world, broaden your horizons, and enrich the lives of those in need along the way. Unfortunately, it can also be expensive, and seem infeasible. But, there's actually a ton of volunteer abroad scholarships and grants to get you on the road to volunteering overseas.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of volunteer abroad scholarships and grants, that often go unnoticed by travelers. This means your chances of scoring $500 -- or even ten times that amount -- are pretty high!

But before you go click-happy on the links below, be aware that there are also plenty of requirements standing between you and that volunteer scholarship. Many organizations expect you to be currently studying or able to demonstrate evidence of financial need. Others are merit-based, where you'll need to prove creativity and your commitment to promoting cross-cultural integration and working with those around the world.

Either way, the pot is big -- we're talking hundreds of thousands of dollars big -- and available to applicants from countries across the globe. Aim to focus on a least five or more grants for which you are eligible for, since it may increase your chances of success.

This list is updated on a rolling basis and we’ve worked hard to make sure that deadlines are accurate and the scholarships listed are true to what each organization offers. However, it’s your job to confirm the details and official deadlines through their website, as these things have been known to change throughout the year.

If you come across any other scholarships that you think would be of benefit to the Go Overseas community, drop us an email, so we can see if it’s a good fit.

• Start in your own community. Many businesses and organizations will be glad to help someone local, especially a young, compassionate person looking to invest in service learning. Your local Rotary Club may also be able to offer funding through their New Generation Service Exchange programs, which link you up with volunteer options linked with Rotary Clubs in other countries.
• Unlike funding for study abroad programs, volunteering abroad doesn’t yet have the same federal financial backing, so you will struggle to encounter government grants in this field. That said, it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on all the options –- and read the eligibility criteria carefully -- online on the US Department of Education FAFSA website.
• Some volunteer program providers have their own scholarships specifically for their prospective participants and we've listed a couple below. If applying for a project not on this list, it's worth reaching out to the organization to inquire about grants they have available or any suggestions they might have for other local organizations or institutions to contact instead.
• If you’re currently studying at a college or university, the on-campus International Office may be able to inform you of travel grants or scholarships available, either generally for all students or those linked specifically to your major.
• Churches, libraries, local non-profits, and community centers may also be good places to look for scholarships or funding. Remember that it never hurts to ask and to always be appreciative of any advice or assistance that you receive.
• Don't forget local organizations such as German clubs, Hispanic heritage groups, Chinese-American associations, who also often provide scholarships for travel abroad.
• Try asking your program advisor about scholarships. One of the largest funders of volunteer scholarships are the programs themselves! These funds can come from either the actual project or NGO in the country you are working with, or the program that connects you to these projects.
• Google, google, google! Scour the internet for any other funding opportunities that you can find and throw yourself into the applications. You never know what you could be awarded if you don’t get cracking!

With these tips, plus the scholarships and grants listed below, you should be well on your way to reducing (or possibly eliminating!) the cost of your volunteer abroad trip -- allowing you to focus on having a positive impact!

When it comes to databases of volunteer abroad funding, the internet is truly your friend. Youth Opportunities is one of the few options we've found. It's a constantly updated list of scholarships from around the world, most of which are applicable to those seeking to study or intern abroad, however, the occasional service-learning or volunteer grant has been known to be listed.

Below you can also find open scholarships and grants to help fund your volunteer efforts around the world. Make sure to check back regularly, as new applications open up, because you know what they say, the early bird always catches the volunteer scholarship!

Remember, it is OK to pay to volunteer!

Even if there aren't any scholarships available for you at the moment, know that the money that you are paying to volunteer is usually money well spent. Although the organizations are more than thankful for your service, your monetary contribution helps them stay active.

Consider your time spent volunteering and your money spent on the program a one-two punch for the cause that you are championing. Also, don't forget that housing and food are usually included in the program fee, which is always a bonus!

• Try fundraising. GoFundMe is a great tool for sharing your cause and connecting with friends and family, who may be excited to support you in your efforts.
• Apply for a no-fee volunteer program. Although some volunteering programs might look quite costly, there are plenty that are no-fee or completely free (bear in mind, you will still most likely be required to pay for your accommodation and food and the range of projects to choose from may be limited).

Volunteering abroad can be a life changing opportunity, and while cost matters, don't let the price tag discourage you! With ample scholarships and financial resources available, we're sure you'll be on your way to traveling the world and helping to make it a better place for others.