Frequently Asked Questions

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What does volunteering entail?

Volunteering is work that you do unpaid and without obligation, for others, for society, and certainly for yourself as well. You do this at a non-profit social organization. This can be in healthcare, welfare, sports, nature, culture, and education.

For many people, volunteering is a pleasant way to meet new people, gain experience, spend their free time, and develop themselves. It is a way to participate in society. Volunteering can sometimes increase your chances of finding paid work.

Why should I do volunteer work?

Volunteering offers many benefits, including improving your skills, feeling like you are contributing to society, meeting new people, or gaining work experience. Would you like to know what volunteering can offer? Read more .

How do I find volunteer work?

You can find volunteer work in various ways. You can contact organizations you find interesting yourself and ask about the possibilities. You can also search our job board . Or you can visit us at our location.

What volunteer work is suitable for me?

Do you want to start volunteering, but don't know exactly what yet? Or are you unsure if volunteering is right for you? Take one of the volunteer tests on our website and discover what type of volunteer you are. Click here for the test .

Are you allowed to do volunteer work at any organization or company?

Volunteer work is work that you do unpaid and without obligation, for others or for society. The organization must not have a profit motive (pay no corporate income tax). The work does not cost the labor market any jobs and does not replace a paid job. All organizations registered in our vacancy database have been verified. They are associations, foundations, or residents' initiatives. If you would like to read more information about this , please visit the website of the Tax and Customs Administration .

Free courses and workshops (Onwikkellink)

Anyone actively involved in volunteering within the Municipality of Groningen may make use of Ontwikkellink's free course and workshop offerings. There is a varied range available, both practically oriented and focused on personal development. Thanks to a subsidy from the Municipality of Groningen, we are able to offer this year after year.

On our website, you will find the most up-to-date selection. Additionally, you can sign up for a monthly overview of courses and workshops. You do this by creating an account and specifying your preferences. Click here for the selection .

Do I need to sign a contract or agreement as a volunteer?

It is not mandatory to sign a volunteer agreement or contract. However, it can be helpful to put agreements in writing, for example regarding the compensation you receive and your duties. This prevents misunderstandings. Download a sample agreement here .

What is a VOG and do I need to apply for a VOG?

For some volunteer positions, you need a Certificate of Conduct (VOG). A VOG is a statement confirming that your past behavior does not pose an obstacle to the volunteer work you will be doing. The VOG is an important part of ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups in society. Read more .

Is a volunteer allowance also paid?

If you do volunteer work, the organization may pay you compensation for it. The organization is not obligated to do so, and it often depends on their financial capabilities. Read more .

Will I receive a travel allowance/expense reimbursement?

If you do volunteer work, the organization may reimburse your travel expenses or other costs. However, they are not obliged to do so, and it often depends on their financial capabilities. Ensure that your expense reimbursement, together with your volunteer allowance, does not exceed the maximum reimbursement per month (€220) and per year (€2,200) (2024 figures). If this is higher, you will have to pay tax on the excess amount.

Am I allowed to do volunteer work alongside my benefits?

You can gain work experience through volunteering. That is why benefit agencies are usually positive about it. If you receive benefits and want to start volunteering, it is advisable to report this to your benefit agency. After all, rules apply to every benefit. Read more .

Am I insured during my volunteer work?

Do you do volunteer work for other people or for society? Then you are automatically insured through the Municipality of Groningen's collective volunteer insurance. However, your volunteer work must fall under an organized association. The organization for which you work is also insured.

You can find more information about this on the website of the Municipality of Groningen .

The Municipality of Groningen has taken out its volunteer insurance with Centraal Beheer. You can find more information about this on the Centraal Beheer website .

Am I allowed to contact a volunteer organization myself?

If you have found an interesting vacancy in our job board, the details of the organization and contact person are always displayed with the vacancy. You may contact them yourself for additional information or to make an appointment. This does not have to be done via link050. Read more .

Can I subscribe to newsletters, job vacancy overviews, or course overviews?

Link050 publishes various newsletters that you can subscribe to. To receive an overview of vacancies and training courses, you can easily create a profile and specify these preferences.

Are there also age-related rules for volunteer work?

The same rules apply to volunteer work as to paid work for young people under the age of 18. Volunteers under the age of 18 are considered vulnerable groups under the Working Conditions Act and are therefore not exempt from either the Working Conditions Act or the Working Hours Act.

You can find which rules apply to which age group on the website of Stichting Vrijwilligerswerk NL (formerly NOV).

Asylum seekers and volunteer work

Asylum seekers are allowed to do volunteer work. No work permit is required for this. However, the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) assesses whether the work qualifies as volunteer work. The organization for which the asylum seeker will be volunteering therefore applies to the UWV for a volunteer declaration. Read more .

Non-Dutch nationals and volunteer work

Non-Dutch nationals who want to do volunteer work can be divided into two groups:

1. The first group consists of non-Dutch nationals who are allowed to work in the Netherlands without a work permit.

2. The second group consists of non-Dutch nationals who do not have free access to the labor market. Read more .

Where can I go for personal advice?

Link050 is the volunteer support centre of the Municipality of Groningen. If you would like to look at suitable vacancies together with one of our volunteers or staff members, please feel free to drop by.