Digital Volunteering: What is it and how does it work?

5. October 2026

Digital volunteering makes it possible to support a good cause without being tied to a specific location or time. In this article, we’ll show you how widespread digital volunteering already is in Germany, what forms it takes, and what you should keep in mind if you want to get involved online.

Contents:

Digital volunteering in Germany: How widespread is it?
Where and how you can get involved online
What to keep in mind when volunteering online
Find your digital volunteer opportunity on vostel.de
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about digital volunteering

1. Digital volunteering in Germany: How widespread is it?

Digital volunteering, also known as online volunteering, refers to voluntary, unpaid work that takes place primarily or entirely online. Instead of being physically present on site, you support organizations digitally—using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

In Germany, this form of volunteer work has evolved significantly in recent years. In 2014 and 2019, only 2.6% of all volunteers used the internet for their volunteer work. The latest Volunteer Survey 2024 now paints a different picture: Now, 86% of volunteers use digital tools at least occasionally as part of their volunteer work. Volunteer roles that take place primarily or exclusively online currently account for 16% of all volunteer work, and this figure is on the rise. Younger volunteers, in particular, tend to engage in their volunteer work primarily online.

Who is digital volunteering particularly suited for?

Digital volunteering reduces traditional barriers to volunteering, such as travel distances and fixed time slots. This is particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility, family obligations, irregular work schedules, or a long commute to the nearest organization.

It is important to note that not all volunteer work can be done digitally; direct, in-person support, for example, often requires a physical presence. For many nonprofit organizations, however, digital volunteering is an important complement that expands their capabilities and also offers volunteers greater flexibility. As a result, more and more organizations are turning to hybrid models that combine both forms.

2. Where and how you can get involved online

Skills-based volunteering

A large part of digital volunteer work is skills-based, which means you contribute specific skills that you already have or would like to acquire:

Organization: administrative tasks such as finances, project coordination, or event planning

Design & Web: Designing websites, social media graphics, and logos for nonprofit organizations

IT & Open Source: Contributing to Open-Source Projects that benefit society

Text & Communication: Translations, content creation for social media, public relations

Online Counseling and Support

Personal support is also increasingly taking place digitally, such as through online mentoring, digital tutoring via video calls, or chat-based counseling services, for example anonymous counseling formats for young people.

Micro-Volunteering: Small Tasks, Big Impact

Another growing form is micro-volunteering, which is based on crowd-working principles. In this model, many volunteers work together to complete small, clearly defined tasks, such as entering local data for open-data projects. A well-known German example is the Sozialheld*innen’s Wheelmap, a map of wheelchair-accessible and barrier-free locations that is maintained collaboratively by volunteers.

3. What to keep in mind when volunteering online

Technical Requirements

Generally, all you need to volunteer online is internet access, a suitable device (computer, tablet, or smartphone), and basic digital skills. Depending on the role, additional skills may be helpful—such as working with specific design or communication tools—but in most cases, you can learn these as you go.

Reliability Despite the Lack of a Mandatory Attendance Requirement

Precisely because digital volunteering often seems more flexible than traditional in-person volunteering, reliability is all the more important. Without set in-person meetings, it takes a certain amount of self-discipline to complete tasks and follow through on agreements. Regular communication with the organization helps maintain a sense of connection to the volunteer work.

Verifying the Credibility of Organizations

As with any volunteer position, it’s worth taking a look at the organization behind it: Are its goals and operating procedures presented transparently? Are there clear points of contact? Are tasks and expectations clearly communicated in advance? This applies just as much to digital volunteer work as it does to in-person volunteer work.

Keeping an Eye on Self-Organization

Without a fixed external structure, such as a weekly in-person meeting, you’re more responsible for managing your own time. A realistic, predictable framework helps you stay committed over the long term, rather than giving up after a short time.

4. Find your digital volunteer opportunity on vostel.de

Would you like to volunteer flexibly and from anywhere, based entirely on your own skills and the time you have available? At vostel.de, you’ll find numerous digital volunteer opportunities throughout Germany.

Get involved

5. FAQ – Frequently asked questions about digital volunteering

What exactly is digital volunteering / online volunteering?

Digital volunteering refers to voluntary, unpaid work that takes place primarily or entirely online, rather than in person at an association or organization.

What specific tasks are involved in digital volunteer work?

This ranges from design and web development to translations, social media work, and online mentoring, all the way to micro-volunteering—that is, small tasks such as entering data for open-data projects.

What technical requirements do I need to meet?

Generally, all you need is Internet access, a suitable device, and basic digital skills. Specialized knowledge can often be acquired during the assignment.

Can anyone do digital volunteer work, or do you need special skills?

No, special skills are not required. There are both skills-based opportunities for people with specific expertise and low-threshold options such as micro-volunteering.

How much time should I set aside for this?

This varies greatly and depends on the format you choose, ranging from just a few minutes for micro-volunteering to regular weekly assignments for skills-based volunteering.

Is volunteering online just as “real” or valuable as volunteering in person?

Yes. Digital volunteering meets the same criteria as traditional volunteering—it is voluntary, unpaid, and focused on the common good—and is actively being used by more and more organizations as a valuable complement.

How can I find reputable organizations or projects for digital volunteering?

Look for transparent information about the organization’s goals and how it operates, as well as clearly identified points of contact. Platforms like vostel.de bring together verified volunteer opportunities.

What is the difference between digital volunteering and micro-volunteering?

Micro-volunteering is a specific form of digital volunteering in which many volunteers work together to take on small, clearly defined tasks, while digital volunteering as a whole also encompasses more extensive, skills-based, or advisory activities.