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Volunteering: Numbers, Data, Facts

Without volunteers, nothing works in sports. This is not just a phrase, but a hard reality. But how many people in Germany are actually involved – and ensure that sports clubs function, grow, and create a sense of community? A closer look at the numbers, data, and facts.

spized | Magazine

January 16, 2026 |

Children standing in a circle on a soccer field

Whats’ on this page

1. How many people volunteer?

2. Volunteering in sports

3. Volunteer allowance and instructor allowance to increase in 2026

How many people volunteer?

Nearly 27 million people volunteered in Germany in 2024. This is shown by the Federal Government’s Volunteer Survey. 27 million people – that is an enormous number. On the other hand, this figure is below the level of 2019. In 2010, there were still 31 million volunteers.

At least one positive note remains: people who take on volunteer roles are dedicating more time to them. Almost a quarter (24 percent) volunteer three to five hours per week. 19 percent invest more than six hours per week.

"Volunteering knows no set hours, volunteering transcends borders, and volunteering brings people together. Volunteers are doers, hands-on contributors, and shapers," says Christiane Schenderlein, State Minister for Sport and Volunteering.

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Volunteering in sports

The most attractive field for voluntary engagement is sports – around 8.7 million people are involved in sports volunteering. With a total of around 27 million volunteers in Germany, this is an impressive number.

The vast majority of these activities take place in Germany’s 86,000 sports clubs, for example as coaches, supervisors, or in the club’s financial auditing, as well as through helping out at events.

In second place comes the social sector, supporting people who need assistance. In this area, many volunteers provide neighborly help or are engaged in supporting refugees or older people.

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Volunteer allowance and instructor allowance to increase in 2026

Clubs can recognize the commitment of their volunteers with the volunteer allowance. From 2026, this allowance will be increased from 840 euros to 960 euros per year . Anyone who is active on a voluntary basis can therefore receive up to 960 euros per year tax- and social security–free. That equals 80 euros per month.

The volunteer allowance applies per year – so you do not have to be active throughout the entire year. Monthly payments are also not mandatory: the allowance can be paid out in a single lump sum. This gives clubs a great deal of flexibility in how they choose to structure the compensation.

In addition to the volunteer allowance, the instructor allowance is also increasing. It will be raised from 3,000 euros to 3,300 euros per year and is likewise tax-free – find out more here . These increases are a key measure of the “Future Package for Volunteering,” which the Bundestag adopted as part of the 2026 Tax Amendment Act.

Tip: It is possible to use both the volunteer allowance and the instructor allowance at the same time. However, this is only allowed for different activities. Example: You are a treasurer in a club (volunteer allowance) and a coach (instructor allowance). In this case, you can benefit from both tax-free allowances, as the two roles are considered separately.

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