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1. Information providers

2. Key initiatives

Information providers

In Hungary, the dissemination of information regarding volunteering opportunities is managed through a dual structure involving top-level government offices and a decentralised network of service centres.

Top-level public authorities

The Deputy State Secretariat for Civil and Social Relationships within the Prime Minister's Office (Miniszterelnökség) and its Division for Civil and Social Consultation is the main body responsible for the strategic communication and legal framework of volunteering. It ensures that information about the non-profit sector and the 'Register of Voluntary Organisations in the Public Interest' (Közérdekű Önkéntes Szervezeti Regiszter) is accessible to the public. 

The Deputy State Secretariat for Young People in the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (Kulturális és Innovációs Minisztérium) is responsible for raising awareness on voluntary activities specifically among the youth population, particularly concerning the school community service (iskolai közösségi szolgálat) and youth-led solidarity projects. The Educational Authority provides information to students, parents and to schools regarding the school community service and maintains a dedicated pedagogical information centre. (For more information on school community service, see 9.4).

Online portals

The primary online information provider for volunteering is the Civil Information Portal (Civil Információs Portál), managed by the Prime Minister's Office (Miniszterelnökség). This portal serves as a comprehensive database where potential volunteers can search for host organisations. It hosts the official 'Register of Voluntary Organisations in the Public Interest' (Közérdekű Önkéntes Szervezeti Regiszter), which, as of January 2026, includes 13 692 active host entities. A specific website, called Volunteer Portal (Önkéntes Portál), provides practical guides, legal explainers, and up-to-date opportunities specifically tailored for the younger generation.

Other information providers

The main actor of regional awareness-raising on volunteer activities is the network of Civil Public Service Centres (Civil Közösségi Szolgáltató Központok). These are state-funded centres operated by contracted NGOs, present in every county and the capital. Their role includes to assist in the placement of young volunteers by acting as a bridge between local NGOs and the youth. They also promote volunteering opportunities at local job fairs, school events, and regional festivals. Although the National Volunteer Centre Foundation operates as an NGO, it often receives state project funding to act as a professional hub. It maintains a database of volunteer positions and provides methodological support for both volunteers and host organisations, thereby significantly enhancing to the visibility of the sector.

Key initiatives

The Hungarian government, in cooperation with religious and civil organisations, coordinates several initiatives to promote volunteering among the youth. These campaigns aim to transition young people from mandatory service towards voluntary, long-term civic engagement.

'You pick it up!' – Volunteering for a pure Hungary

The 'TeSzedd!' ('You pick it up!') programme is Hungary's largest voluntary litter picking movement. The objectives and scope of the programme or action are to clean up public areas throughout the country. Since 2011, the action lasts three days per year. The target group is everyone, especially young people and students. (For more information, see 9.4.)

'72 Hours Without Compromise'

An annual event directly funded by the National Cooperation Fund (Nemzeti Együttműködési Alap) and organised by Christian churches is the action called '72 Hours Without Compromise' ('72 óra kompromisszum nélkül'). During the event groups of young people engage in voluntary activities that aim at social, ecological or developmental aims. Stories on the projects can be found on the event's website. (For more information, see 9.4.)

Time to Move campaign

Time to Move is an annual Europe-wide campaign in October, organised by the Eurodesk network, and which is delivered to young people in Hungary by the Tempus Public Foundation. It aims to allow young people to learn about study, volunteering and internship opportunities abroad and to support them in their international mobility projects (such as the European Solidarity Corps). The campaign includes various online and in-person events, such as webinars, information sessions, outdoor games and cultural activities. In 2025, they organised 102 events in Hungary to inform young people about international learning, volunteering and internship opportunities.

Pro Voluntarius Award

The Pro Voluntarius Award (Pro Voluntarius díj) was established in 2013 for the social recognition of volunteering. The prize is awarded each year on International Volunteers' Day (5th of December) to organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the culture of volunteering. A specific category is dedicated to the 'education of young generations for volunteering', recognising teachers and mentors who bridge the gap between school requirements and real civic commitment. This is crucial for addressing the 'educational gap' identified in the sector, rewarding those who make volunteering accessible to diverse student groups. The winner receives a higher cash prize, HUF 500 000 (about gross EUR 1 250).

Other key initiatives

The Family Friendly Hungary Centre has created the 'I Came Voluntarily' Award (Önként jöttem díj) to recognise voluntary work and promote altruistic behaviour. The Ambassador of the 'I Came Voluntarily' Award is the Minister of State for Families at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. According to Ministry information, to enhance the social prestige of volunteering and express gratitude for the students' and volunteers' dedication, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (Kulturális és Innovációs Minisztérium) launched a new series of appreciation events. In 2025, numerous volunteers were invited to a large-scale performance at the Capital Circus of Budapest as a gesture of thanks for their outstanding community service. This initiative has continued in 2026, targeting both traditional volunteers and students performing their compulsory school community service, reinforcing the idea that volunteering is a highly valued social contribution.

According to Ministry information, to boost social prestige, the Ministry integrated volunteering into national titles like 'Youth Capital of Hungary' (Magyarország Ifjúsági Fővárosa) prioritising volunteer involvement in program delivery. The government also promotes the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) as a key platform for engagement, highlighting volunteering as a pathway to personal growth and international mobility.

The University Volunteer Points, or 'KÖZÖS.' (the word itself means 'Common Point'), also have an important role in awareness-raising. The programme aims to build university communities where they can receive information on volunteering and solidarity opportunities (for more information on the volunteer points, see 2.7).