Germany's Caritas urges stable funding for volunteer services

The 15‑year anniversary of the Bundesfreiwilligendienst highlighted that 34,376 people are currently engaged in the programme. The German Caritas association is calling for reliable and adequate financing, including a stipend comparable to BAföG payments and a legal entitlement to support for volunteers. Caritas President Eva Welskop‑Deffaa stressed that “crisis resilience is more than military readiness,” pointing to the role of voluntary engagement during heatwaves, pandemics and floods. The organisation also advocates for a “Germany ticket” for all volunteer service participants. The federal family ministry plans to draft a Bundesgesellschaftsdienstegesetz, with a reference draft expected in summer 2026 and implementation targeted for 1 January 2027, aiming to create a common framework for volunteer and potential new civilian service.

Caritas argues that stable funding and proper pedagogical support are essential for the planning and sustainability of volunteer placements, especially for smaller organisations that feel the impact of any financial shortfall immediately.