This is our purpose.
Our volunteer programs exist to empower socially and environmentally-conscious travelers to make a meaningful difference, to foster cultural exchange and to expand their skills and horizons. We’re the facilitators, but it’s the incredible contributions from our volunteers that make it all possible.
Reporting on the impact of our volunteers, as well as the impact of our organization’s operations, is important to us. It enables us to demonstrate complete transparency, celebrate the incredible work of our volunteers, and hold ourselves accountable to our commitment to being a force for good in the world. Download our latest Impact Report!
Our 2025 Impact: A Message from IVHQ CEO Sam Morrah
What is the IVHQ 2025 Impact Report?
The IVHQ 2025 Impact Report is an annual summary of the global impact created through International Volunteer HQ’s programs, including volunteer hours, community investment, environmental outcomes, and contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In 2025, IVHQ volunteers completed 682,550 hours of service, helped invest $9.3 million into communities abroad, and supported projects across education, healthcare, conservation, construction, and community development. As a Certified B Corporation with zero carbon business operations, IVHQ remains committed to responsible, sustainable volunteer travel that creates meaningful impact for people and the planet.
Destination Specific Impact in 2025
Across our global network of programs, volunteers contributed to a wide range of meaningful outcomes:
How IVHQ Supports Local Communities
IVHQ works in partnership with locally run NGOs, nonprofits, and community organizations around the world.
- Identify the needs within their communities
- Design and manage volunteer projects
- Provide on-the-ground support for volunteers
- Volunteer program fees directly contribute to:
- Accommodation and meals
- Local staffing and coordination
- Project materials and resources
- Long-term community development
This approach ensures that the impact is locally driven, sustainable, and beneficial beyond the volunteer experience.
Commitment to Purpose: B Corp & Carbon Neutral
As a certified B Corporation since 2015, IVHQ meets the highest independent standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. We operate for the benefit of all stakeholders, achieving a 2022 B Impact score of 93.5, well above the 50.9 median for ordinary businesses. This commitment to purpose over profit is the foundation of everything we do.
We are also proud to be certified for Zero Carbon Business Operations. Since 2019, we have measured and offset our operational footprint through solar energy and certified carbon credits via Ekos. These credits support forest protection and climate resilience in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, providing erosion control and biodiversity conservation.
To extend this impact, we encourage all volunteers to go ‘carbon neutral’ by purchasing their own carbon credits through IVHQ to offset the footprint of their travel.
How IVHQ employees make an impact
As a certified B Corporation, we believe that every organisation has an active role to play in supporting the community in which they operate. To date, IVHQ has invested more than $200,000 into locally-run clubs, organisations and social enterprises that address important social or environmental needs.
Here are just a few of the awesome ways the IVHQ team has supported the local community in New Zealand:
- Sponsored the environmental education program, Enviroschools, which is focused on supporting children and young people in New Zealand to understand and implement sustainability practices within their communities
- Sponsored volunteer organisations within our local community, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hospice New Zealand, Taranaki Cancer Society, Surf Life Saving and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust
- Launched a program which recognizes and celebrates volunteers who give back to the sport of rugby in collaboration with the Taranaki Rugby Union
- Launched an Athletes In Schools program to give young people the opportunity to engage with an Olympic medalist and learn about the dedication and focus that it takes to perform at the highest level
- Introduced a Social Innovation Award as part of the New Zealand Young Enterprise Scheme to encourage aspiring young business leaders in our community to actively consider how they can develop businesses concepts to deliver sustainable positive impact
- Planted hundreds of trees within the local community in collaboration with the New Plymouth District Council
- Took part in and supported beach clean-ups across Auckland in collaboration with Sustainable Coastlines
- Regularly support home renovation projects for deserving families at Christmas with the Mellowpuff Trust
Previous IVHQ Impact Reports:
Volunteer Reviews from 2025
Volunteers consistently rate IVHQ highly for the support, organization, and meaningful impact of their experiences. In 2025, IVHQ maintained a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 2,300 reviews.
”Volunteering abroad always teaches you many skills such as resilience, humility, patience, social interaction and invaluable knowledge about other cultures. Volunteering with a company such as IVHQ provides a safety net and support system that is invaluable for multi cultural exchanges. ”
Georgina, British, 27
Elephant Welfare volunteer in Thailand
Volunteer Reviews from 2025
Volunteers consistently rate IVHQ highly for the support, organization, and meaningful impact of their experiences. In 2025, IVHQ maintained a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 2,300 reviews.
FAQs About the IVHQ Impact Report
The IVHQ 2025 Impact Report is an annual summary of the social, environmental, and community impact created through IVHQ volunteer programs worldwide.
In 2025, IVHQ volunteers completed 682,550 hours of service and helped invest $9.3 million into community projects across education, healthcare, conservation, and development.
IVHQ partners with local NGOs and organizations that design and manage projects, ensuring that volunteer contributions support long-term community needs.
Yes, IVHQ has been a certified B Corporation since 2015 and holds a B Impact Score of 93.5.
IVHQ operates as a zero carbon business and has measured and offset its carbon footprint since 2019.
Teaching, childcare, and education projects represent the largest share, followed by conservation, construction, healthcare, and community development.
IVHQ aligns its programs with the SDGs, with major contributions to education, health, environmental conservation, and marine protection.
You can download the full IVHQ 2025 Impact Report directly from this page.
