Key Findings from the 2024 Volunteer Survey

Volunteer work remains a cornerstone of social cohesion in Germany. The Sixth German Volunteer Survey (FWS 2024) shows that despite years of crisis, the pandemic, and economic uncertainty, millions of people continue to volunteer—though there have been noticeable shifts in the scope, accessibility, and target groups of volunteer work.

About the Sixth German Volunteer Survey 2024

In 2024, 36.7% of the population aged 14 and older are involved in volunteer work—which amounts to about 27 million people. The volunteer participation rate thus remains high, though it is slightly below the 2019 figure (39.7%). ¹

The highest percentages continue to be found among those aged 30–49 (40.4%) and those aged 14–29 (39.9%). It is not until age 75 that the rate drops significantly (21.1%). ²
Interestingly, women and men are involved at roughly the same rate overall—a historic shift, since in 1999 men were still nearly 10 percentage points ahead. ³

The survey once again confirms one of the most persistent inequalities:

• low level of education: 24.6%,
• moderate education: 35.9%,
• high level of education: 45.5%.

The differences have narrowed somewhat but remain significant. ⁴

In 2024, 28.4% of people with an international family history are actively involved in civic engagement, compared to 40.1% of people without an immigrant background. Notably, the percentage of people with an immigrant background who are actively involved remains stable, while there is a slight decline among those without an immigrant background. Furthermore, among people with personal experience of immigration, civic engagement is on the rise—contrary to the overall societal trend (from 20.1% to 25.8%). They are also more likely than average to volunteer to help refugees. ⁵

A look at regional differences shows that people in rural areas continue to volunteer slightly more often than those in cities. In 2024, 38.4% of the population in rural areas are active volunteers, compared to 35.8% in urban regions. The gap is thus slightly narrower than in 2019, but remains clearly discernible. Differences between East and West also persist. In the western German states, 37.3% of the population volunteers, compared to 34% in the East. Between 1999 and 2019, the gap between eastern and western Germany in terms of volunteer engagement narrowed significantly—from 7.9 to 3.4 percentage points. In 2024, however, this trend does not continue. ⁶

Many volunteers are volunteering more regularly and dedicating more time than they did five years ago: 24% volunteer 3–5 hours per week, and 19% even 6+ hours. ⁷ The frequency is also increasing: 48% volunteer at least once a week. This trend shows that volunteering continues to play an integral role in the daily lives of many people. ⁸

Sports and physical activity remain by far the largest category: Nearly 13% of the population is involved in this area.

This is followed by:

• Social activities – 8%,
• Culture & Music – 6%,
• School & Preschool – 6%,

Church / Religion – 6%. ⁹

Clubs remain central: 49% of volunteers are active within a club setting. Self-organized groups—a growing trend in recent survey years—stagnated at 13% in 2024. About one-quarter of all volunteers hold leadership or board positions. ¹⁰

In 2024, more than half of volunteers performed only one activity, but a large proportion were involved in multiple areas at the same time. 26% of volunteers have two parallel activities, and 21% have three or more. On average, volunteers engaged in 1.8 activities—slightly fewer than in 2019, when the average was still 2.0. ¹¹

Among those who are not currently involved, 41% say they are willing to get involved in the next 12 months. The potential is particularly high among young people: 66% of 14- to 29-year-olds would be open to it. ¹²

Ten percent of volunteers say they can no longer afford to devote time to their volunteer work. Among those aged 30 to 49, this figure rises to 15 percent.

Other reasons:

• lack of time (62%),
• health issues (32%),

desire for fewer commitments (31%). ¹³

The FWS 2024 reveals a stable, vibrant level of civic engagement—but also significant structural inequalities. A particularly positive trend: young people and those with personal experience of migration are becoming increasingly involved. At the same time, the data highlights where policymakers and society need to focus their efforts: on time resources, access, and breaking down social barriers.