Volunteering in Penzberg: challenges and networking in focus

Volunteering in Penzberg: challenges and networking in focus

In Penzberg, a small town with a growing population, volunteering is very important, but it also faces major challenges. On October 21st, over 80 volunteers who are involved in a wide variety of areas such as sport, culture and social affairs met on the initiative of the “Penzberg Miteinander” group. This meeting was not only an exchange of ideas, but also an important step towards strengthening volunteerism in the city, which currently has 17,950 inhabitants. Forecasts suggest that the population could rise to around 40,000 by 2040, which will increase the responsibilities and challenges of volunteering. Loud South Germans In 2019, around 5,000 people aged 14 and over volunteered in Penzberg.

But the volunteers are not only confronted with a growing need. The survey during the meeting, moderated by Tom Sendl and Monika Uhl, showed that there is a lack of appreciation for their work and that financial worries are one of the biggest hurdles. “The administration doesn’t make it easy for us,” said one participant, expressing his displeasure about the lack of contacts. Easy access to urban spaces also remains a major issue; Many people want a clear list of locations that they can use for their activities.

Challenges and solutions for volunteering

The over 40 organizations represented put forward numerous suggestions to improve the networking of volunteers. Regular meetings, a digital presence for the organizations and the introduction of a “club day” were discussed. A key concern remains the replacement of the vacant position of “volunteer worker” in the town hall in order to be able to better represent the concerns of volunteers.

The participants also called for more planning security and prompt disbursement of funding from the city. Such funding is an important pillar for many clubs, as they often rely on additional financial support in order to be able to realize larger projects. Loud German volunteer work Clubs should finance themselves primarily through their own income, but this is often not enough. It is therefore essential to apply for grants and funding, although the requirements vary depending on the funding provider.

Diverse funding opportunities

In total, around 28.8 million people in Germany volunteer, with around 40% of the population becoming active. This commitment extends across numerous areas such as sport, culture, social affairs and education. Funding programs at the federal, state and local levels offer a wide range of support options. The EU in particular is setting up project funds to promote new initiatives. Blog funding shows that there are many programs available, from supporting forest and environmental education to strengthening civic engagement.

But despite all good intentions, success depends on submitting the correct application. Clear target group identification and a suitable concept are crucial in order to secure the necessary funds. Clubs often have to use creative forms of financing such as crowdfunding or sponsorship in order to get their projects off the ground.

Another meeting of volunteers in Penzberg is planned for July 7, 2026, after the election of the new city council. The suggestions can then be further fleshed out in order to strengthen volunteer work in the city and overcome the challenges together. It remains to be hoped that the city administration will take note of the signals and take appropriate measures to support and promote the commitment of volunteers.