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Why do I need to pay

THE MOST COMMON QUESTION THAT VOLUNTEERS ASK US IS ‘WHY DO I NEED TO PAY, TO VOLUNTEER?

Volunteering your time and skills is truly invaluable—but running safe, ethical, and impactful volunteer programs comes with real costs. At United Volunteer Lanka, your program fee helps cover vital services such as accommodation, meals, airport pickup, local transportation, orientation, 24/7 in-country support, and coordination with local partners. These elements ensure not only your safety and comfort but also that the project you join makes a lasting, positive impact.

Your financial contribution enables us to operate responsibly and sustainably. It supports both the volunteers and the communities we serve—ensuring that every project is well-organized, ethically managed, and genuinely beneficial.

Since 2014, United Volunteer has built a trusted reputation for offering meaningful and authentic volunteer experiences across Sri Lanka. Like any organization, we incur ongoing expenses related to placing and supporting our volunteers. These include administrative tasks, staff salaries, project maintenance, and local coordination.

Here’s how your contribution is distributed:

65% – Food, Accommodation, Transportation, and Volunteer Services

15% – Government Taxes

10% – Donation to Local Causes

5% – Project Development

5% – Administrative Expenses

This breakdown reflects our commitment to providing a meaningful, well-supported experience for our volunteers while sustaining the long-term impact of our programs across Sri Lanka.

 

Apart from regular donations to projects from the volunteer’s program fee, United Volunteer also works to provide regular maintenance to its projects in Sri Lanka. This includes timely visits to projects to access their need and provide assistance where needed. This also includes things like providing scholarships, painting of schools, and donating of books, clothes and computer equipment. We also undertake work to build local schools, libraries, playgrounds like – badminton court etc in certain schools and projects we work with.

 

Volunteering Fee

  • Make a Difference Without the High Cost

 

 

At United Volunteer, we are proud to offer some of the most affordable volunteer program fees in Sri Lanka, making life-changing experiences accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a student, gap-year traveler, retiree, or working professional, our budget-friendly programs are designed to welcome passionate individuals from all walks of life.

We believe that money should never be a barrier to creating meaningful change. That’s why our transparent and low-cost fee structure ensures your contribution goes exactly where it matters most—directly into the communities and projects you support. From wildlife conservation and childcare to medical internships and women’s empowerment, your time and funds are used effectively to make a lasting difference.

With no hidden charges, full program support, and clear breakdowns of your investment, United Volunteer ensures that your experience is both rewarding and responsible. Join us and become part of a movement that proves that doing good doesn’t have to come at a high price.

Let’s work together to build a better tomorrow—one affordable volunteer at a time.

Our Program Fee Includes: 

What’s Included in the Program Fee?

  1.   24/7 Assistance and Support from United Volunteer Staff
  2.   Comprehensive Pre-Departure Information to help you prepare with confidence
  3.   Project Placement tailored to your interests and skills
  4.   Airport Pickup upon arrival
  5.   Transportation between your project site and accommodation
  6.   Orientation to ensure a smooth transition into your volunteer role
  7.   Meals provided in most of our project locations
  8.   Comfortable Accommodation during your stay
  9.   Certificate of Participation upon successful completion of the program
  10.    Emergency assistance from our emergency response team
  11.    A supervisor/mentor at your work placement
  12.   Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
  13.   Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers
  14.    Access to our local office with internet connection
  15.   Visa support and advice
  16.   Fundraising support, including your own personalized fundraising website

   

The Program Fee Does Not Include:

  1.   Flights
  2.   Visa costs (where applicable)
  3.   Travel and medical  insurance
  4.   Airport drops
 
 
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Accommodation Upgrade – Hotel Option (US$30/day Extra)
For those seeking additional comfort and privacy, we offer an optional upgrade from our standard homestay accommodation to a hotel stay at just US$30 per day extra. This upgrade includes:

  • Hotel accommodation with enhanced facilities and amenities

  • Daily breakfast and lunch provided at the hotel or affiliated restaurant

  • A more private and independent lodging experience while still enjoying local hospitality

This option is ideal for participants who prefer hotel conveniences while taking part in our volunteer or internship programs.

 

 Optional drop-off service to Colombo International Airport (CMB) with a scenic sightseeing tour of Colombo along the way. This service is available on request at an additional cost of USS85 per ride.

On arrival, our in-country coordinator and staff will warmly welcome you at the airport. Please remember to share your flight details with us in advance — we guarantee you won’t miss us!