According to the CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek / Central Bureau for Statistics), nearly half of those aged 15 and older did some form of voluntary work in 2024. The most popular sector was sport clubs, with hobby clubs, neighborhood organizations, and schools also high on the list. Many other organizations also require volunteers, such as food banks, museums, cultural organizations, and Holland Expat Center South!
Volunteering is a platform to learn the language and interact with the local community, and is, of course, in itself very rewarding. You can choose to volunteer on a regular basis, for one or more days per week or for a fixed number of hours each month, for example. You can also volunteer as a one-off. Choose what suits you, there are plenty of options.
We have included a few suggestions below, along with an overview of several organizations in the Eindhoven area specifically.
Animal shelters and children’s petting zoos
Animal shelters may be looking for help with all sorts of things, such as walking the dogs, caring for the cats, or cleaning and feeding. Find a shelter in your local area by searching for “dierenasiel”. Children’s petting zoos (kinderboerderijen) also often have volunteer vacancies.
Hobbies
If you have a particular hobby and are interested in volunteering, you may be able to combine the two! Search online to find clubs and organizations in your field.
Libraries
Keep an eye on library websites to see what volunteer opportunities are available. There are many reading sessions that are looking for native speakers to read out loud to children.
Neighborhood groups
Check to see whether there are any neighborhood groups in your area that need volunteers. See below for examples of these in the Eindhoven region. Try contacting your local municipality and ask whether they have any volunteer centers or job banks for volunteers.
Places of worship
Contact your chosen place of worship to find out more about how you can help.
Schools
Schools are often on the lookout for volunteers. Check out whether the school is looking for a class parent (klassenouder) or help during craft activities or school outings. The parents’ committee (ouderraad) is also usually comprised of volunteers.
Sports clubs
Sport clubs are run by volunteers and are often on the lookout for new helpers, so this is a great opportunity to get involved. For more information on sports, see the sports and hobbies page. Also check out The Living In Guide Eindhoven region and Eindhoven Sport for more information on clubs in the area.
Other clubs and organizations
Social clubs and non-profit support organizations are often run partly or mostly by volunteers, and they are frequently on the lookout for new volunteers. Visit our Find a social club and Find a support organization pages for some inspiration.
Eindhoven region
Eindhoven Doet
For voluntary job offers, also for non-Dutch speakers, contact Eindhoven Doet. Eindhoven Doet is for everyone who volunteers for the city and for each other.
Eindhoven Navigators
Every weekend, Eindhoven Navigators are active in the city center welcoming visitors, answering questions, and providing information about local hotspots. Navigators come from various backgrounds: some have been living in the city for years, while others are new and eager to learn about their city. Together they form an enthusiastic team and contribute to creating a welcoming and safe city center. Contact via email: eline@bureaubinnenstadeindhoven.nl
Holland Expat Center South
Would you be interested in volunteering at Holland Expat Center South’s welcome desk? Our volunteers help welcome internationals who have come to our offices for their municipal registration and/or IND formalities appointment. You can also volunteer at our annual Winter Market, which we organize in association with the International Entrepreneurs Collective (TIEC). Contact us for more information.
Maatje040
Volunteer work for and by Eindhoven residents. That is what Maatje040 is all about, as part of Vrijwillige Hulpdienst Eindhoven (VHE). If you want to help someone, you can join one of their Buddy projects. Maatje040 has 12 different buddy projects. Their volunteers, the Maatjes (Buddies), might do the shopping or help with financial administration. They might also do chores in and around the house, provide company, or help with the Dutch language. Each Buddy provides extra attention, support or guidance to someone who needs it.
Radio 4 Brainport
Radio 4 Brainport is a 24/7 English-language community radio service run by volunteers. It broadcasts a mix of music, news, and information about culture, science and technology for the international community in the Brainport region.
Samen voor onze Regio
Samen voor onze Regio (Together for our Region) acts as a bridge between companies, social organizations, and local government in the Brainport region. Their purpose is to ensure a more cohesive society where everyone can participate. They help charities by using the time, hands and talent of corporate volunteers, and encourage companies to adopt their ‘do good by doing good’ initiative. They would be happy for you to recommend them to your employer.
WIJeindhoven
Explore volunteer opportunities in your own neighborhood. Would you like to get to know your neighbors and help create a friendly and welcoming community? Visit WIJeindhoven Buurt in Bloei to find voluntary work that suits you. Together with you, they will explore your skills and interests, and support you in finding a good match close to where you live.