Volunteering in support of humanitarian aid operations

Overview

Grants support projects that deploy young volunteers (aged 18–35) in humanitarian aid operations in third countries, focusing on disaster response, resilience-building, and long-term development while adhering to humanitarian principles. Targets organizations facilitating full-time, unpaid volunteering aligned with EU humanitarian aid objectives.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include organizations legally established in eligible countries (as specified in the call document) with experience in humanitarian aid, volunteer management, or disaster response. Consortia may apply if led by an eligible coordinating organization.

Funding Details

Specific funding amounts, total budget, and funding rates are outlined in the call document. Projects must comply with EU financial regulations and may include complementary activities to enhance local impact.

What Is Funded

Projects must support:

• Deployment of volunteers in humanitarian aid operations in third countries.
• Activities that strengthen community resilience, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction.
• Transition from humanitarian response to sustainable development.
• Complementary actions to improve local impact, with active involvement of local staff and volunteers.
• Adherence to humanitarian principles (humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence) and the "do no harm" principle.

Volunteering must be full-time (30–38 hours per week) and unpaid.

Key Dates

• Call publication: 2025-11-27
• Application deadline: 2026-04-22T22:00:00Z (17:00 Brussels time)
• Evaluation period: April–September 2026
• Applicant notification: October 2026
• Grant agreement signature: December 2026

Application Process (High-Level)

Applications must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal using the standard application form (ESC) and specific templates for this call. The process is single-stage, with evaluation based on criteria outlined in the call document.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries are specified in the call document. Applications must be submitted in English. Projects must be implemented in third countries with ongoing humanitarian aid operations.

Notes

• Volunteers must be aged 18–35.
• Projects must ensure volunteer safety and security.
• Local involvement of staff and volunteers from affected communities is encouraged.
• Proposals must comply with page limits and formatting requirements detailed in Part B of the application form.