FAQ for hosts & organisations
Last update: January 2026. If you do not find the answer you need, you can contact us here.
Contents
- Quick answers
- Free publishing and contributions
- Editing, removal, and visibility
- Safety, screening, and disputes
- Optional support from Voluntouring
- Ads
Quick answers
Can I list a volunteer opportunity for free?
Yes, if your opportunity follows our standard fair exchange guidelines. This means full board (food and accommodation), no participation fee charged to volunteers, and a fair workload.
Fee-based opportunities, “no full board” offers, or more commercial contexts are not the norm on Voluntouring. They may be considered case by case, and usually require a one-time contribution
(see Free publishing and contributions).
What kind of hosts can apply?
We welcome farms, eco-villages, NGOs, hostels, artists, families, and other community-based projects that share a fair exchange approach.
How do I submit my opportunity?
Use this preliminary form or write via our contact page.
Please include a clear description and a few good photos. If accepted, we publish it on the site and share it via our channels.
How long will my listing stay online?
Listings are usually permanent unless you ask us to remove them. Over time, older posts may move down the site and become less visible. We may occasionally review older posts and add an “outdated” note if details appear no longer current, or archive them upon request.
Can I choose my volunteers?
Yes. You receive messages and you decide who is a good fit. Hosts are free to reply only to shortlisted candidates.
Is Voluntouring a booking platform?
No. We do not manage bookings, and we do not handle payments. We promote your opportunity and help you connect with like-minded travellers.
Do volunteers need to register on Voluntouring?
No. Voluntouring is not a membership platform for volunteers. We do not have volunteer accounts, volunteer profiles, or a volunteer registration database. For this reason, there is no concept of “registered volunteers” to count.
Can I report, rate, or “flag” volunteers who ghost or do not show up?
No. Voluntouring does not have an internal scoring, rating, or reporting system for volunteer behaviour (including no-shows). When we act as first contact for a listing, we may block obvious spam senders, but screening and selection remain the host’s responsibility.
Why are my contact details not visible on my listing?
In recent years many hosts have received spam messages. In some cases, we may hide direct contacts to reduce abuse. If contacts are hidden, volunteers can request them via our contact page
and we forward your details manually. This is not automatic, so there may be a short delay.
Free publishing and contributions
What do you mean by “standard fair exchange guidelines”?
These are the basic conditions we use to consider an opportunity a fair exchange and, in most cases, free to publish on Voluntouring. They also help avoid misunderstandings before volunteers apply.
A standard fair exchange normally includes: full board (food and accommodation), no participation fee charged to volunteers, and a fair workload of around 4 to 5 hours/day, 5 to 6 days/week.
We also expect the listing to be transparent about the essentials: tasks, typical daily schedule, days off, minimum stay (if any), sleeping arrangement, and any relevant house rules.
What does “full board” mean on Voluntouring?
“Full board” means accommodation plus food every day. This can be meals provided, or a clear arrangement that includes food supplies and kitchen access. Hosts should describe the food arrangement clearly in the listing to avoid misunderstandings.
Is there a fee to publish an announcement on Voluntouring.org?
Publishing is free for hosts who follow our standard fair exchange guidelines.
If a project is more commercial, does not offer full board, requests a heavier workload, or charges a participation fee, we may still publish it case by case, but we ask for a one-time contribution to help cover editorial work and platform costs. This is not a commission on bookings.
When is a contribution required, and how much is it?
A contribution is usually required if you represent a commercial entity, request significantly more than the standard fair exchange workload, do not offer full board, or charge volunteers a participation fee.
The contribution is 55 € for promoting a single program, or 155 € for promoting a full web platform (including any applicable taxes).
How and when do I pay the contribution?
Payment is requested only after we confirm we can publish your opportunity and we agree on the final format. We will share payment instructions and confirm any invoice or receipt details based on your organisation and location.
Can you refuse listings?
Yes. We do not promote exploitative exchanges. If a request does not fit our values, we may decline publication or suggest adjustments.
Editing, removal, and visibility
Can I edit my listing?
Yes. Please send us a message with the link to your listing (or its title) and the updates you need.
Can my listing be removed or hidden?
Yes. If you no longer need applications, you can ask us to remove or temporarily hide your listing or contact details.
How can I increase the visibility of my announcement?
You can contact us to request a repost or a refresh. You can also improve your listing by adding clear tasks, dates, conditions, and good photos.
Here is a practical guide: how to attract volunteers.
Safety, screening, and disputes
What do you recommend for screening?
We strongly recommend a short video call before confirming, and confirming dates, workload, rules, and expectations in writing. It also helps to share simple house rules in advance.
Do hosts and volunteers need to follow local laws (visas, permits, volunteering rules)?
Yes. Hosts and volunteers are responsible for respecting local laws and requirements, including visa rules and any regulations around volunteering or work exchange.
Insurance and health coverage
We recommend that volunteers have appropriate travel insurance and health coverage, and that hosts communicate clearly about safety, tasks, and living conditions.
What should I do in case of a negative experience with a volunteer?
Hosts are responsible for screening and selection. We can try to help mediate in some situations, but our role is limited to connecting hosts and volunteers. Voluntouring is not liable for damages caused by volunteers. Please also read the disclaimer.
Optional support from Voluntouring
Do you offer volunteer selection and filtering?
By default, volunteers contact hosts directly using the details shown on each listing. In some cases, we can support first contact by collecting messages through a dedicated email or by adding a simple application form to your listing. This does not create volunteer profiles or a volunteer database, and it does not guarantee outcomes. A contribution may apply depending on the request.
If you want to discuss this option, contact us via the contact page.
Ads
Why are there ads on the website?
We rely on online advertising to cover yearly expenses. Ads help keep most fair exchanges free to publish. Donations or other institutional support might help reduce ads in the future.
Thank you for this helpful guide!
I’m planning to host volunteers for the first time, and this answered some of my questions.
Are there additional resources for new hosts?
Hi, how do I contact hosts?
We want to post our website in your site.