Information for Host Organizations

 

Today’s volunteers are tomorrow’s skilled workers!
We support and advise organizations on how to engage and mentor volunteers in their various fields of work. Take advantage of our expertise and experience.

Below you will find information on how to partner with us, and in the download section, important documents for FSJ/BFD placement sites

Overview of Deployment Locations

1. You submit the application for recognition (including your organization’s mission statement). Important: Proof of nonprofit status

2. You designate a permanent mentor who will provide professional and personal support to the volunteers during their service

3. You prepare a detailed job description outlining the volunteer’s role and the required qualifications.

4. Please send the completed documents (application + job description) to us via email at freiwillig@evim.de

 

5. We’ll schedule an initial in-person consultation and provide you with detailed information about costs, instructions, safety measures, and more…

6. We draft a cooperation agreement, which is signed by both you and us

7. We list you as a placement site and, upon request, provide tips on how to promote the position 

8. We are also happy to assist you with the BFD application to the Federal Office for Civil Society Tasks (BafzA)

Download section for field sites

Application for Recognition as a Volunteer Placement Site

BFD/FSJ Placement Site Handbook 

Guide for Volunteer Service Supervisors 

 

Re-registration Form 

Seminar Dates for Volunteer Services 2025/26

Detailed information

Volunteers should be assigned to educational, support, and/or care-related roles that involve direct interaction with people in need of assistance. Administrative, housekeeping, and maintenance tasks should therefore not account for more than 30 percent of their total workload.

 

The following requirements must generally be met for the establishment of FSJ and BFD positions:

  • Your organization is a nonprofit and operates in the social or cultural sector or in the health and education sectors.
  • The deployment of volunteers must not affect the labor market. Volunteers support full-time staff but do not replace them.
  • The volunteers primarily perform practical support tasks.
  • Volunteers are assigned to a clearly defined area of work.
  • There is a qualified staff member responsible for providing practical guidance and support to the volunteers.


Organizations wishing to become volunteer placement sites must first apply for recognition by EVIM; for the Federal Volunteer Service, they must also apply for recognition from the responsible Federal Office (BAFzA). We are happy to assist you with this.

We look forward to working with you! The following steps are required for the recognition process as a volunteer placement site:

  • Submit the application for recognition to the EVIM Department of Volunteer Engagement (and please include your organization’s current program plan with the application).
  • Appoint a mentor who will provide professional and personal guidance to the volunteers throughout the entire volunteer year.
  • Create a job description that is as detailed as possible, outlining the volunteer’s role and requirements.

EVIM Volunteer Services …

  • will schedule an initial meeting with you at your placement site and provide you with detailed information about the volunteer services.
  • will add your placement site to the list of available positions.
  • will assist you (in the BFD) with submitting your application to the Federal Agency (BAFzA).


You can find the application form for recognition as a volunteer service placement site in the download section. Please send the completed form by email to:

 

  • EVIM Volunteer Services works closely with you to ensure that the volunteers’ assignment is a success for everyone involved. We …
  • provide detailed introductory information for interested organizations
  • provide you with a handbook and a guidance calendar
  • conduct at least one site visit per year, and more if needed
  • keep you informed of legal changes, etc.
  • are available as needed to provide direct information, facilitate discussion, and coordinate efforts (e.g., in the event of specific questions or conflicts)
  • We invite you to at least two annual meetings or training sessions for program coordinators or site managers
  • We are happy to serve as your point of contact and support you in all matters related to volunteer services.

Effective guidance at your placement site is essential to the success of your volunteer service. It ensures that the events and impressions you encounter during your social work are transformed into meaningful experiences. 

As the placement organization, you should designate a mentor for each volunteer who will assume responsibility for this task on behalf of the department.

Under “Downloads,” you will find our guide for mentors in the BFD/FSJ.

The supervisor serves as the point of contact and support for volunteers regarding any questions or issues that arise during their work.

If you have any questions or need to discuss anything regarding a volunteer, please contact the group leader promptly. The educational staff member knows your volunteer. You will receive their contact information at the start of the assignment, along with the dates of the seminars your volunteer will attend.

The FSJ and BFD volunteer programs are funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ). In addition, the state of Hesse provides funding for the FSJ. The remaining costs are covered by the host organizations and EVIM.

We’d be happy to provide you with the current costs for an FSJ or BFD placement upon request. Just get in touch.