In our hectic daily lives, fundamentally changed by the emotional effects of the pandemic, we are increasingly facing new challenges. COVID-19 has not only changed the way we communicate, it has also expanded the pool of volunteers - people willing to reach out to those in need. At the same time, the global political environment is becoming increasingly polarised, extreme ideologies are gaining strength, and attempts to brand the NGO sector as 'enemy number one' are intensifying.
It is at times like these that volunteering stands out as a ray of hope and a key to personal and professional development. It is not just an act of kindness - it is an opportunity to find our drive to lead us forward. Whether we want to improve our resume, lay the foundation for a successful freelance career, or simply find meaning in this chaotic world, volunteering is the first step to unlocking our potential.
The world has changed so drastically in recent years that many young people feel lost in their choice of direction. But if there's one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, it's that help and empathy can be transformative - not just for those who receive it, but for those who give it.
Volunteering has established itself as a way to discover new talents, develop skills and build a solid foundation for professional development.
As a volunteer, you not only broaden your worldview, but also gain experience that employers value highly - teamwork, effective communication, problem solving and adaptability. For young people who are just starting out on their career path, volunteering is an excellent opportunity to "fill up" their CV and navigate their career path.
Personally, I realised the importance of volunteering when I started university. In high school I had no experience with causes or clubs, but at American University, where I graduated, I quickly found that I wanted my everyday life to have meaning - to feel useful and to know that I was adding value to others. So I joined the Better Community Club, where I began to participate in the club's marketing department. During this period, I was actively spreading the word about our initiatives and activities, as well as participating in the logistics of events such as the Breast Cancer Charity Bazaar, and one of the biggest social entrepreneurship competitions in the Balkans - Innovation Station. This experience not only helped me build important character traits, but also helped me become more multi-functional and adaptable by learning to work in different roles and teams.
This club experience was a step towards my first professional exposure to a cause that aligned with my values. This was followed by an unpaid internship at Impact Drive, where I had the opportunity to work on promoting the DigiComs: New Generation Digital Communicators course. This was a new challenge that encouraged me to expand my knowledge, be part of an important initiative and actively work for social causes. This experience taught me the importance of being part of something meaningful and how volunteering can become the foundation of professional development.
Volunteering in Bulgaria plays an essential role in the development of the NGO sector and civil society. According to Eurobarometer data from 2022, only 12% of Bulgarians regularly participate in voluntary activities, which ranks the country second to last in the European Union, with an average of 24%. Despite the low overall percentage, young people aged between 15 and 30 are the most active in volunteering initiatives, engaging in cultural and sporting events, environmental activities and charity campaigns.
There is a growing trend in the European Union to support charity and volunteering through tax relief. These mechanisms not only offer an incentive for financial participation by citizens and businesses, but also encourage social responsibility and active participation in the community. Some countries, such as France, Germany and the Netherlands, have developed well-structured tax relief systems that include donations and volunteering activities.
In France, the state encourages donations by offering substantial tax breaks. If a person makes a donation to an officially recognised charity, they can reduce their taxes by 66% of the value of the donation. For donations directed to special causes, such as helping people in need, the relief can go up to 75%. However, there is a limit - the total value of these reliefs cannot exceed 20% of the donor's annual taxable income. This policy makes giving more affordable and encourages people to actively support social causes while reducing their taxes.
In Germany, individuals can reduce their taxes if they donate up to 20% of their taxable income to charities recognised by the tax authorities. To do this, they need to fill in a document certifying the donation. If the amount is up to EUR 250, no further action on the part of the donor is required. This system makes it easier for people to support charitable causes without facing complicated administrative procedures, while encouraging them to actively participate in socially relevant initiatives.
In the Netherlands, donors can benefit from tax advantages if they make donations to organisations registered as ANBI (organisations of general interest). They can deduct the value of the donations from their taxable income, usually up to 10% of their annual income. The amount of tax relief depends on the donor's income and accordingly varies between 19% and 52%. These incentives provide significant support for social causes and volunteer projects while encouraging social engagement. The opportunity to reduce taxes is available to around 8% of taxpayers in the country, highlighting people's interest in supporting community initiatives.
Bulgaria has not yet adopted a law on volunteering, which creates a number of difficulties for voluntary organisations and their participants. The lack of legal regulation means that there are no clear rules on the rights and obligations of volunteers and on the tax benefits that can be granted to organisations.
On the other hand, in Bulgaria individuals can benefit from tax deductions for donations made to organisations and causes recognised by law. A donation can reduce the annual tax base by up to 5%. However, the total tax deduction cannot exceed 65% of the annual taxable income.
In order to benefit from the relief, donors must obtain a document certifying the donation and the status of the organisation that accepted it. These documents are attached to the annual tax return. The procedure is relatively simple and further information on specific conditions and examples can be found in a detailed analysis on Balans.bg and an article by UNICEF Bulgaria.
Volunteering in Bulgaria is widespread, especially in areas such as humanitarian aid and social services. However, without a legal framework, organisations often face administrative obstacles, such as the need to sign civil or employment contracts, which increases bureaucracy.
In recent years, there has been increased discussion of draft laws on volunteering. This law would provide legal protection for volunteers as well as tax benefits for donations and sponsorships to voluntary organisations. It is also expected to establish a training and certification system for volunteers.
Volunteering as a first step in career development
Volunteer projects are the perfect way to develop skills that will make you competitive in the job market. Whether it's organising events, working in a team or managing projects, these activities show employers that you are active, motivated and responsible.
In addition, volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and make valuable contacts. According to surveys, 85% of employers believe that volunteering experience is a positive sign of a candidate's personal and professional potential.
For example, if you're involved in organising a fundraising event, you'll learn how to plan resources, coordinate teams and make decisions under pressure - skills that will benefit you in any career field.
🔑 Tip: Highlight these skills on your CV or during an interview to show prospective employers how your volunteer work has prepared you for professional challenges.
Platforms and resources for volunteers in Bulgaria
If you want to start your volunteering journey, there are many resources and platforms that can help.
TimeHeroes – one of the largest platforms for volunteer initiatives in Bulgaria, offering a variety of projects - from environmental causes to working with children.
NGO Portal – the "Become a Volunteer" section offers opportunities to get involved in NGO projects. In addition, the "Employment" section provides information on vacancies in the sector.
CVS Bulgaria – the site offers up-to-date information on volunteering opportunities, including international projects.
AIESEC – focuses on global volunteering opportunities that combine cultural exchange and professional development.
Заедно в час – a volunteering programme that allows you to get involved in projects to improve education in Bulgaria.
Youth Forum - an organisation that promotes youth participation in socially relevant projects. Often offers volunteering opportunities in a variety of areas, including working with vulnerable groups.
European Solidarity Corps (ESC) - through the Erasmus+ programme, the ESC offers funded volunteering projects across Europe to promote cultural exchange with practical help for different causes.
How to choose the right volunteering initiative?
Choosing an appropriate volunteering activity is key. Here are some guidelines:
Match your interests. If you're interested in social causes, the environment or education, look for organisations in these areas.
Think about your future career. Volunteering in the field you want to pursue will help you gain relevant experience.
Check out volunteering platforms. In Bulgaria, you can find opportunities through platforms, some of which are listed above.
Think about your values and ethics. Choose a volunteering activity that matches your personal values. This will bring you satisfaction and motivation for long-term participation.
Choose an opportunity with flexibility. If you have a busy schedule, look for remote or mobile volunteering opportunities. That way you can commit without significantly changing your daily routine.
Look into internship and future job opportunities. Volunteering can open doors for internships or even permanent work. Look for projects that could coincide with your career direction.
Volunteering is not an end in itself. It is a catalyst for development that can open new doors - both professional and personal...
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