It's a question we hear alot at the CAP Volunteer Program, and it's a fair one. Volunteering for a year--or even for a few weeks--is a significant sacrifice for many people. But a lot of confusion exists around what it means exactly to "work for free." Although many people may write off full-time volunteerism as a financial impossibility, volunteering with CAP is more affordable than you might think.
When you think of "volunteering" you may think of literally working in exchange for nothing. Nada. Zilch. But besides the infinite intangible benefits of giving of oneself in service, CAP offers a number of tangible benefits to make full-time volunteering a possibility.
- Room and board: Whether you are volunteering for three weeks or a year, all individual volunteers receive room and board. Not only do you not have the burden of providing for yourself while you serve others, but you also have the opportunity to live in community with other volunteers.
- Monthly stipend: Available to volunteers serving 9 months to a year, the stipend of $150/month provides volunteers with spending money for incidentals.
- Health insurance: Premium-free health insurance is available for long-term volunteers. Volunteers are responsible for co-pays.
- Travel reimbursement: CAP provides long-term volunteers with travel reimbursement of up to $200 for their trip to CAP and return trip home.
- Medical reimbursement: For health expenses not covered by insurance, CAP provides long-term volunteers with medical reimbursement of up to $200.
- Transporation: to and from jobsites. While you are welcome to bring your vehicle, you will not have to use it for your service position.
- Potential AmeriCorps Education Award: Receive up to $4,725 to use for student loans or tuition. Would you save that much from a year of working?
- Potential loan deferment: Although granting deferment is the decision of individual lenders, most will defer loans of full-time volunteers.
For some, these benefits are not enough. Financial obligations like auto insurance and car payments don't get put on hold while you volunteer. If this is your situation, consider fundraising. If you belong to a church, ask your pastor about church sponsorship of your volunteer time. Your church may enjoy receiving letters about your volunteer experience. You can also raise money from family and friends (just be sure to let them know their gifts to you would not be tax-deductible). More on fundraising.
If you have any questions about the benefits above, please contact us anytime at volunteer@chrisapp.org or by phone at 606-256-0973 or toll-free at 800-755-5322.
