Funding and impact
VSA is committed to making a positive impact through partnership. Our volunteering supports communities in the wider Pacific to achieve their sustainable development goals. VSA’s assignments align with four interconnected impact areas and two cross- cutting themes:
Our four impact areas
- Thriving businesses and sustainable livelihoods: We sustain lives by empowering our partners to strengthen employment, skill development and income generation opportunities
- Good health and wellbeing: We build healthy communities by supporting partners to promote health, prevent disease, create healthy environments, and achieve equality
- Inclusive, equitable and quality education: We improve access to inclusive, equitable and quality education through our volunteering with partners in the formal and informal education sectors
- Clean, healthy, and sustainable environment: We build cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environments by working with partners to safeguard ecosystems, reduce pollution, and combat the impacts of climate change
Our two cross-cutting themes
Intersecting our work in each of our impact areas, VSA aims to support:
- Greater social inclusion: We value the richness of our diverse communities by advancing gender empowerment, disability inclusion, and the well-being of children, youth, and communities in remote and rural areas in our work with partners
- More resilient development: We build resilience to environmental, economic, and social disaster by supporting partners to empower their communities
How we’re funded
At VSA, every partnership, donation, and volunteer assignment helps power community-led change across the Pacific. We take great care in how we resource and measure our work—so that every contribution makes a meaningful, lasting difference.
VSA is funded through a mix of government support, individual giving, membership, and corporate partnerships.
Our core funding partner: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) supports our work through the New Zealand Aid Programme, helping us deliver ethical, sustainable volunteer assignments.
This long-standing relationship is central to our mission, and we acknowledge the ongoing support from MFAT and the Minister’s office.
Fundraising and membership
We are also supported by generous donors, fundraisers, and members who help cover the cost of:
- Volunteer training and support
- Travel, accommodation, and insurance
- In-country logistics and partnership development
There are many ways to get involved:
- Donate – One-off or regular giving
- Support a volunteer – Back a peer-to-peer campaign
- Leave a gift in your will – Create a legacy
Become a member – Be part of the VSA community
Every contribution extends our reach and deepens our impact.
How we use funds
We prioritise transparency and efficiency in everything we do. Funds are allocated to:
Deliver and support assignments that meet local priorities
Funds directly support skilled volunteer placements that respond to partner-identified needs across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This includes preparation, logistics, language training, and ongoing assignment management.
Maintain strong regional and in-country partnerships
We invest in long-term partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and community organisations to ensure our work is relevant, sustainable, and aligned with national development strategies.
Ensure safety, wellbeing, and success for every volunteer
From insurance and pre-departure training to in-country support and health care, we use funds to ensure our volunteers are safe, well-prepared, and supported throughout their assignment.
Support a volunteer
Every VSA volunteer takes on a fundraising challenge as part of their commitment to community development. Whether it’s a bake sale, a marathon, or a digital campaign through our Raisely platform, each volunteer’s story is unique—and your support makes a real difference.
Explore active campaigns and meet the volunteers making an impact
Browse live fundraising efforts and learn how VSA volunteers are contributing to sustainable development across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
Donate directly or help by sharing their page with your network
Your donation—big or small—helps volunteers cover essential costs. You can also make an impact by spreading the word and sharing their campaign with friends and family.
Start your own fundraiser to raise awareness or support one of our focus areas
Get involved by launching a personal fundraiser to support initiatives in areas such as climate resilience, women’s empowerment, business mentoring, or post-disaster recovery.
Annual reports and financials