VOLUNTEERS FOR PROSPERITY SERVICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM - “VFPServ”

Health Volunteers Overseas is a partner of the Volunteers for Prosperity Service Incentive Program (VFPServ).  This program is funded by Volunteers for Prosperity and managed by GlobalGiving.

What is VFPServ?

VFPServ is an innovative public-private partnership designed to address financial challenges faced by skilled Americans interested in short-term international volunteer service. VFPServ provides matching grants to qualified volunteers in amounts ranging from $500 to $1000 to offset travel, insurance and local living costs.  In order to receive funding from this program the volunteer must raise an equal amount of funds (i.e. if the volunteer is requesting a matching grant of $500, they must also raise $500 from their friends and family).

How can HVO Volunteers apply for a VFPServ grant?

Applicants must first have a confirmed volunteer assignment with HVO (i.e. have received final confirmation of site and dates of assignment from HVO staff). Once an assignment has been finalized, those interested in applying for the VFPServ grant must fill out an application, available at www.globalgiving.com/cb/vfpserv. When filling out the application indicate that HVO is your volunteer host organization. Only HVO volunteers who have at least 3 years of professional experience and can express a need for financial assistance will qualify.

Applications for the VFPServ program are accepted on a rolling basis and applicants will receive notice of approval within 15 days of submission.

Once approved, how does it work?

To facilitate the verification of funds raised by the volunteer, the volunteer will be required to use an online giving tool provided by GlobalGiving.   The volunteer will be given instructions on how to use this tool upon approval of their application.  The online giving tool keeps track of funds received, allows the volunteer to send e-mails to potential donors and automatically generates tax receipts for donors.  All funds raised through the site and matched through the VFPServ program will be sent directly to HVO.  Funds will not be disbursed to HVO until the volunteer has reached their fundraising goal.

Volunteers will be reimbursed by HVO for qualified expenses upon submission of receipts, which include: travel-related expenses such as airfare, transportation to/from airports, vaccinations/medications related to the trip, excess baggage charges if taking materials for the site, visa fees, airport departure taxes, housing, meals (in-country and in transit) and educational materials paid for by the volunteer to be donated to the site. HVO will not reimburse for purchases of personal items such as clothing, toiletries, or gifts for people at the site. At no time will HVO disburse more funds than have been received.  In addition, any funds remaining after expenses have been paid will be reallocated to support HVO programs. If a volunteer is unable to undertake the assignment, the funds will be reallocated.

Questions? Call your HVO recruiter at 202-296-0928.