Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
Position Paper
1 minute read

Definition of Volunteering

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

Introduced in 2015, Volunteering Australia’s Definition of Volunteering has a set of explanatory notes, a detailed Issues Paper that provides background and context, and a set of FAQs around it.

Summary

The Definition of Volunteering describes volunteering as 'time willingly given for the common good without financial gain'. It includes both formal and informal activities but excludes some other factors.

Benefits for Volunteer Involving Organisations

This updated definition helps volunteer organisations by providing a clear framework for what constitutes volunteering. It emphasises best practices and highlights the mutual benefits for both society and volunteers.

Application for Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteer management practitioners can use this definition to better structure their programs, ensuring they align with best practices. It also helps in recognising and valuing the contributions of volunteers more effectively.

Downloads and sources

Visit source (opens in new tab)

More about the author

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the Australian community. Their vision is to promote strong, connected communities through volunteering, and their mission is to lead, strengthen, promote and celebrate volunteering in Australia.
hello@volunteeringaustralia.org 02 6189 4921
Visit website (opens in new tab)
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Research and Reports

Paradoxes Within the Management of Volunteers

This research offers a different perspective on volunteer management in non-profit organisations, moving beyond traditional ideas of challenges and solutions.
1 minute read
Anders la Cour, Lesley Hustinx, Nina Eliasoph
General
Factsheets

Engaging Volunteers Factsheet

This Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) factsheet offers some things to keep in mind when engaging volunteers.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
GoodCompany
Tech

GoodCompany

GoodCompany is a Workplace Giving Platform based in Australia and NZ. It's designed to enable companies and their people to come together to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and match donations for the charities closest to their hearts.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
Be Collective
Tech

Be Collective

A volunteer management & community engagement platform. Be Collective is all about empowering volunteering and the organisations supporting volunteering to build stronger, more sustainable networks for doing good.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
VIKTOR Lite
Tech

VIKTOR Lite

VIKTOR Lite enables volunteer involving organisations to recruit volunteers via a range of websites run by local governments, state peaks, local volunteer resource centres, Volunteering Australia and SEEK Volunteer.
Volunteer database Recruitment Onboarding / training Reporting
scheduled

Creating Safe Spaces for Volunteering: LGBTQAI+

Empower your volunteer program to welcome and support the LGBTQAI+ community
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free
scheduled

Paying Volunteers and Board Members: What Not-for-profits Need to Know - Oct 2026

A plain-language legal webinar on paying volunteers and board members, covering key legal issues, governance considerations, and best-practice tips to help your organisation make confident, informed decisions.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
A$49.00
scheduled

International Day of People with Disability - and Volunteering

A session on the NSW Disability Inclusion Volunteering Guidelines, exploring how organisations can support and include volunteers with disability in their programs.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free