Where your money goes
Here at The Great Projects, we are often asked, ‘Why do I have to pay to volunteer?’ In simple terms, the majority of your project fee goes overseas to cover the cost of your time spent volunteering, with the rest going towards a wide variety of other expenses, which are outlined below. If volunteers did not pay for their places on the projects, then the projects themselves would simply be unable to run.
Aside from the direct costs associated with hosting international volunteers, one of the main elements of the project fees is the built-in conservation contributions, which the projects rely on to support the animals in their care, fund research, animal rescues and releases, and much, much more. By not only offering your time, but also providing a financial contribution by way of your fee, you’re ensuring that your efforts to help protect the world’s most threatened species will continue long after you’ve returned home. In short: your yearly holiday could leave a lasting impact, creating a legacy for the project and the animals you’ve chosen to help. Below is a simple guide that illustrates how your project fee is allocated among key elements and how much has been contributed by volunteers to support the conservation efforts of projects over the years.
Accommodation, food, and all volunteer activities
Transfers to and from the airport for most projects
A conservation contribution to help support the animals
Project development to ensure the best projects for all involved
Administration, insurance, staff and any additional office costsThe Breakdown
2024 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $211,038 |
| Asia | $144,996 |
| The Americas | $18,686 |
| Europe | $13,868 |
Total: $388,586
2023 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $222,780 |
| Asia | $188,180 |
| The Americas | $20,435 |
| Europe | $9,544 |
Total: $440,937
2022 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $142,201 |
| Asia | $82,209 |
| The Americas | $23,855 |
| Europe | $12,655 |
Total: $260,919
2021 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $31,601 |
| Asia | $3,211 |
| The Americas | $3,732 |
| Europe | $4,181 |
Total: $42,724
2020 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $42,926 |
| Asia | $35,939 |
| The Americas | $4,469 |
| Europe | $0 |
Total: $83,333
2019 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $163,703 |
| Asia | $201,803 |
| The Americas | $21,452 |
| Europe | $17,208 |
Total: $404,163
2018 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $122,701 |
| Asia | $189,207 |
| The Americas | $30,737 |
| Europe | $13,010 |
Total: $355,655
2017 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $140,363 |
| Asia | $237,899 |
| The Americas | $20,201 |
| Europe | $14,298 |
Total: $412,759
2016 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $110,142 |
| Asia | $183,320 |
| The Americas | $15,122 |
| Europe | $12,820 |
Total: $321,404
2015 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $81,900 |
| Asia | $218,000 |
| S America | $14,841 |
| Europe | $9,854 |
Total: $324,594
2014 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $112,487 |
| Asia | $196,201 |
| S America | $26,558 |
Total: $335,246
2013 Conservation Contributions
| Africa | $55,967 |
| Asia | $123,517 |
Total: $179,484
