State of Volunteering report
Volunteering Victoria released the Victorian State of Volunteering Report 2025, with support from the Victorian Government.
This report helps us understand the important role volunteering plays in Victoria. It gives us a snapshot of who volunteers in Victoria, including why and how they volunteer.
The research also provides insights into how volunteering is changing. It shows us what prevents people from volunteering and what motivates them.
For the full report, visit the State of Volunteering website. An accessible version is also available.
Key findings from the report
A sector in transition
In 2024, 3.3 million people volunteered in Victoria. They contributed more than 732 million volunteer hours to the community. This represents almost 60% of the Victorian population over 15 years of age.
These numbers show that volunteering is bouncing back after a big drop during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More young people are volunteering
Young people aged 15 to 24 are volunteering at high rates. In 2024, almost 7 in 10 young people volunteered their time to help others. This is the highest participation rate of any age group.
Volunteers are more purposeful and impact-focused
Volunteers want roles that offer meaning and impact. The most common motivations for volunteering include:
- helping others (62%)
- using skills (38%)
- giving back to those who have helped them (33%).
Rise of informal volunteering
More people are volunteering informally. In 2024, nearly half of all volunteers engaged in volunteering informally.
Online volunteering is also on the rise, with almost one in four volunteers donating time remotely.
Volunteers are seeking connection, community and inclusion
For many people, volunteering is an important way to build social connections. Volunteering can help people feel less isolated and more engaged in their communities.
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