Impact Wrapped 2025: Together, volunteers in the Netherlands made millions of hours of difference!

This article has been prepared by the Volunteer Center Amsterdam (VCA), based on national impact figures.2025 was a special year for voluntary engagement in the Netherlands. Never before have so many people, together, made such a difference for others and for the world. National impact figures show how powerful a growing community can be when time, talent, and commitment come together. AtVolunteers Central Amsterdam (VCA)we recognize this image all too well. In Amsterdam, we see daily how volunteers make a difference – for each other, for the city, and for the future.

2.9 million hours of impact – a record year

In 2025, no less than1.5 million peoplethe national platform for voluntary engagement NL for Each Other. Together they were already good for2.9 million hours of volunteer work. An absolute impact record. These are hours filled with attention, help, knowledge, and humanity. Hours that touched lives and strengthened communities. And above all: hours that show what is possible when people participate. AtVolunteers Central Amsterdam (VCA)we see this movement reflected daily in our city. Amsterdam volunteers are committed through local organizations, initiatives, and networks that we connect with each other.

Where did volunteers make a difference?

Top 5 activities

1. Maatje / buddy
2. Activity guidance
3. Jobs
4. Coaching & guidance
5. Language support

Top 5 impact areas

1. Social & welfare
2. Care
3. Good causes
4. Nature & animals
5. Education

We also see these themes daily, among other things through the mediation, support, actions, and expertise ofVolunteers Central Amsterdam (VCA). From maatjesprojects against loneliness to language coaching, from practical help to professional expertise.

In the Amsterdam report ‘the State of the City’ published in September, it emerged that the urban involvement of volunteers is also on the rise again after corona. From 33% in 2022, the involvement increased to 36% in ’24 and it continues to grow. A clear confirmation that more and more people are willing to contribute in a way that suits them. We now countmore than 280,000 volunteersin the city (18+).

Impact has no fixed times

Voluntary engagement occurs at any time of the day:

• Mondaybleek the most popular impact day: 19% of all matches were made on this day.
• Even deep in the night, people were ready for each other:2.587 night help heroesmade an impact as early as 5 a.m.

AtVolunteers Central Amsterdamwe see the same: impact does not follow office hours. Volunteering adapts to people’s lives – and not the other way around.

Young and old participate

Volunteering is for everyone:

• 31%of the helpers is younger than 25 years old
• The oldest volunteer celebrated this year his or her98th birthday

The diverse mix of ages fosters exchange, connection, and resilience – exactly what a city like Amsterdam thrives on.

Together building further on impact

These figures show what is possible when people are able to connect with each other.Volunteers Central Amsterdam (VCA)plays a key role in this for the city: as the expert center for volunteer work, we sustainably connect Amsterdammers, social organizations, and businesses. From individual volunteers to teams and companies: VCA ensures that contributions match the demand, the city, and the people participating.Together we make the city more social, stronger, and more human. The figures in this article are based on national impact data. The interpretation and translation to the Amsterdam context have been provided by Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam (VCA).Photo: unveiling campaign ‘Amsterdamse maatjes’ in the context of Amsterdam 750 years.