Online Volunteer Programs

Are you feeling a pull to give back and volunteer abroad in a meaningful way, but lack the time to do so? Do you feel a responsibility to support grassroots organizations and nonprofits doing important work, but lack the money or resources? Good news: Volunteering online is becoming increasingly popular in our increasingly virtual world. You don’t need to pay for an expensive program abroad or give up a year of your life to have an impact on a cause or within an organization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Online volunteering, also known as virtual volunteering, is where participants contribute their skills, expertise, and time remotely to support various causes, organizations, or communities.

What is Virtual Volunteering

There are many ways to volunteer at home. You can volunteer for virtual mentoring, online tutoring, transcribing, translating, or participating in online advocacy campaigns.

Is volunteering from home possible?

Some of the best online volunteering opportunities are virtual tutoring, digital content creation, transcription services, online fundraising, online language exchange, and online advocacy/activism.

How to Volunteer without Leaving Home (+8 Cool Examples)

Yes. Online volunteering can be a valuable addition to your resume, exhibiting your commitment to social causes, adaptability to remote work, and skills gained through virtual collaboration and communication.

Why You Should Do Volunteer Work Online

Volunteering online allows individuals to donate their time and skills virtually. Whether it's providing support, creating content, conducting research, or participating in advocacy efforts, online volunteering opens doors for meaningful engagement.

4 Virtual Volunteering Examples

Latest Program Reviews

I had a good experience in Uganda

May 03, 2025by: Lilian Olives - United StatesProgram: Volunteer Adventure in Uganda

Volunteering with Murphy Charitable Foundation Uganda has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is truly one of the best organizations to volunteer with abroad. During my time with them, I had the incredible opportunity to work closely with children and women in rural communities. The warmth, resilience, and joy of the people I met was deeply moving, and the entire experience was nothing short of amazing.

A excellent chance to spend quality time with family.

March 18, 2025by: Alfie Knox - United KingdomProgram: Unforgettable Volunteering + Tanzanian Safari Experience

Under the roar of lions and shadow of leopards—an unprecedented safari experience! We recently had an amazing safari experience with the family! Everything was well planned from the beginning, which made our journey comfortable. The airport welcome was warm, the food was delicious, and the guide, John, was experienced and friendly, telling great stories about the wildlife to our children. During the game drive, we saw lions, elephants, giraffes, and a rare leopard, which was especially exciting for us children! They were amazed to see wildlife so closely for the first time.

I had a good experience in Uganda

May 03, 2025by: Lilian Olives - United StatesProgram: Volunteer Adventure in Uganda

A excellent chance to spend quality time with family.

March 18, 2025by: Alfie Knox - United KingdomProgram: Unforgettable Volunteering + Tanzanian Safari Experience

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad Online

Volunteering Online vs. Abroad

That’s not to say that volunteering abroad doesn’t still have its own benefits or advantages over volunteering online. But, in a shock to absolutely no one, very few people (especially students or recent grads) have the means or free time required to volunteer abroad. There are some key differences between the two experiences that you should consider before making a final decision:

Skills. Your virtual volunteer experience will still prop up your resume beautifully—but be prepared to answer questions in future interviews about why you didn’t ultimately go abroad for your act of service. Keep in mind that the skills you’ll build as a virtual volunteer will be different, but just as valuable as what you would learn abroad. Time management, self-motivation, and problem solving are all skills you’ll gain or practice while volunteering online.

Affordability. If you can’t pay the fees associated with being an international volunteer, you’re absolutely not alone. Since a major portion of those fees would normally go to your living expenses (food, accommodation, transportation, etc.), the price tag on virtual volunteering is heavily discounted. You may even be able to afford volunteering twice!

Impact. Since it won’t be as easy to see the impact of your work abroad as a virtual volunteer, you may ultimately feel as though you’re not having an impact at all. Being a volunteer online will involve the ability to know that your work is making a difference, even if you can’t see it—and having the courage to reach out and ask questions if you think you can be doing more.

Popular Causes for Volunteering Online

It goes without saying that some of the more traditional styles of volunteering, like construction, tree planting, or health care, won’t translate well to a virtual program. However, some volunteer positions thrive in a remote setting!

Marketing. Every nonprofit organization benefits from strategic digital marketing, but very few organizations can afford to pay for marketers. If you’re savvy with social media, writing, or content creation of any kind, there are tons of causes and nonprofits that you’ll be able to support with your skills.

English Teaching. Volunteer English teaching doesn’t always require a TEFL certification, but be sure to ask if you need one. Organizations that work in community development or youth development need English teachers to teach kids basic skills or otherwise complement what they’re learning in school. Bigger organizations will have the resources to move these programs online.

Media. In today’s digital world, NGOs and nonprofit organizations need websites in order to survive, but their budget for web developers and programmers is usually the same as it is for marketers. If you have coding or programming skills, you’ll make an immeasurable difference to organizations that otherwise have no way of maintaining their websites (and therefore, no way of finding more volunteers!).

Essential Tips for Remote Volunteers

Get involved. Stay involved with your volunteer organization the best you can. It’s easy to do your daily tasks and never follow up with your supervisor or other volunteers in your program, so make sure you’re reaching out and making those connections; it’ll make your experience far more human (and memorable) if you’re able to make a few friends along the way.

Donate. If you can, consider fundraising for your organization or collecting donations on their behalf. Many of these programs are small, grassroots organizations that desperately need funding, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Anything you can contribute, in addition to your time and effort, will be deeply appreciated, and may go further than you could ever imagine.