Volunteering as a meaningful contribution to society (and as a supplement to regular paid employment) has a high social status in Austria. Thus, the country occupies a very strong position in this area: According to the latest Volunteer Report (Freiwilligenbericht 2019), published by the former Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, 46% of people aged 15 and older engage in volunteering. But participation is high in all age groups. 43 % of young people under 30 are involved in formal or informal volunteering. Of those aged 15-24, around 43 % are also involved in the non-profit sector. About three out of ten are active in organisations, while about a quarter provide (additional) neighbourhood assistance.

To promote volunteering, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (Bundesministerium für Soziales, Gesundheit, Pflege und Konsumentenschutz) ensures attractive framework conditions. The legal basis is provided by the Federal Act on the Promotion of Volunteering/Volunteering Act (Bundesgesetz zur Förderung von freiwilligem Engagement/Freiwilligengesetz). It regulates, among other things, programmes such as the Voluntary Social Year, the Environmental Protection Year and the Memmorial Service and Peace and Social Service Abroad. The Act entered into force in 2012 and was last amended in 2018.

The Freiwilligenweb Website (German only) by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection provides all relevant information to (prospective) volunteers.