The major development of voluntary work in Spain happened during the 90’s. The voluntary organizations increased exponentially and so did their institutionalization and professionalization which meant the creation of platforms and federations at the State and regional level. 1996 meant the creation of the first State Law 6/1996 with the purpose of promoting and facilitating the participation of society on volunteer actions within public or private non-profit organizations. Since then, almost all Autonomous Regions have developed their own legislations.

Ministry of Social Rights and 2030 Agenda is responsible for the government and promotion of volunteering on a state scale. Several platforms have been designed in order to supply information and to serve as guidance for volunteering associations as well as for volunteers themselves. A new Volunteer State Law 45/2015 (Ley 45/2015 de Voluntariado) was approved in 2015, making access to volunteering easier for a wider sector of the population.

According to the report “The Volunteer action in 2022” (La acción voluntaria en 2022) produced by the Spanish Volunteering Platform, 3.3 million people over the age of 14 are volunteering, a record number and a significant increase over 2021. In relation to youth, it is worth noting that there are approximately one million young volunteers in our country.  More than 60% volunteer once or more than once a week. Most of them are dedicated exclusively to studying, but 35% are employed.