Thinking of applying for the Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering? We bring the essential information

Obtaining the Quality Label is the first step towards applying for a Humanitarian Aid Volunteering project.

On Tuesday 24 June 2025, the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) organised an online information session for organisations interested in applying for the so-called Quality Label within the framework of Humanitarian Aid Volunteering under the European Solidarity Corps. While applications can be submitted at any time during the year, organisations wishing to submit a project proposal under the 2026 call must apply for the Quality Label no later than 23 September 2025 at 17:00 (Brussels time) via the Funding and Tenders Portal (FTOP).

About Humanitarian Aid Volunteering Projects

These projects aim to provide humanitarian aid in third countries where humanitarian operations are underway. However, they must not be implemented in territories affected by active armed conflict or other ongoing humanitarian disasters, in order to ensure the safety and protection of volunteers. The projects target young people aged 18 to 35 who want to contribute to society through short-term or long-term volunteering activities aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable communities. Each project must include at least one volunteering activity and involve a minimum of 15 volunteers.

The project consortium must include at least three eligible organisations with a valid Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering. Among them, at least two must be support organisations from two different countries, and at least one must be a host organisation that is not affiliated with any support organisation participating in the project. The project coordinator must be from a programme country. Project duration can be 12, 24, or 36 months, and the maximum grant amounts to €650,000. Specific details related to the 2026 call will be provided in the updated Programme Guide, expected in autumn 2025.

Additional objectives of these projects include facilitating the transition from short-term humanitarian response to long-term inclusive development, strengthening the capacity and resilience of disaster-affected communities, and improving preparedness and risk reduction. Projects must have a sustainable impact and be based on the needs of local communities, which should be active partners, not merely recipients of aid. Individual participants undergo a series of preparatory trainings and can apply for projects through the European Youth Portal. All projects must be open and inclusive, ensuring accessibility for young people regardless of their formal education or prior experience. Mentoring, including psychological and personal support as needed, is an integral part of every project.

What Is the Quality Label?

As mentioned above, the Quality Label is mandatory for all organisations involved in implementing Humanitarian Aid Volunteering projects. Both sending (support) organisations from EU or associated countries and receiving (host) organisations based in eligible third countries must obtain it. The Quality Label confirms that the organisation adheres to the principles and objectives of humanitarian aid volunteering under the European Solidarity Corps and meets the goals and priorities of the relevant call.

Organisations can apply for one of two roles: support or host. Applications must be submitted directly to EACEA in Brussels through the FTOP portal. Unlike in other parts of the European Solidarity Corps, such as Volunteering Projects or Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas, organisations in Humanitarian Aid Volunteering may not apply for both roles simultaneously. Support organisations located in programme countries are responsible for coordinating projects, preparing proposals, and carrying out other organisational tasks. Host organisations are responsible for guiding and supporting volunteers during the activity.

How to Submit a Successful Quality Label Application

A successful application must reflect several key aspects. It must align with the principles and goals of the EU’s humanitarian aid policy, including humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, and the “do no harm” principle. Applicants must also demonstrate a proven ability to organise effective and high-quality volunteering activities within humanitarian operations. Importantly, obtaining the Quality Label is a prerequisite for applying for a project, but does not guarantee that the project will be approved.

As mentioned earlier, the Quality Label is divided into two types, based on the role of the organisation: The support role is assigned to organisations from programme countries. They are responsible for preparing participants before departure, facilitating communication with host organisations, and providing post-return support. They are also authorised to submit project applications and coordinate consortia. The host role is designated for organisations in third countries not associated to the programme. These organisations must be able to provide on-site support, help integrate volunteers into the local community, and develop both activity programmes and crisis preparedness plans.

Timeline and Practical Information

Applications for the Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering can be submitted at any point during the programme period. However, to participate in the 2026 call, organisations must apply no later than 23 September 2025 at 17:00 (Brussels time) via the FTOP portal. The outcome of the application will be communicated by 22 March 2026, i.e. before the deadline for submitting a project application under the Humanitarian Aid Volunteering strand.

Once awarded, the Quality Label remains valid until the end of the 2021–2027 programming period, and there is no need to reapply annually. Organisations holding the Quality Label can apply for multiple projects within humanitarian aid volunteering during this time. They are subject to regular or ad hoc monitoring by EACEA and are required to report any changes (e.g. legal representative, contact person, name, or address). If an organisation no longer meets the required standards, the Quality Label may be revoked. Branch offices are not considered part of a project consortium and should not be listed as such in applications. However, an existing Quality Label can be updated to include new branch offices without the need to submit a new application.

Award Criteria

The three main criteria for awarding the Quality Label are: Admissibility – the application must be submitted via FTOP by the deadline, be complete, and not exceed 40 pages. Eligibility – both legal and geographic eligibility must be met. Quality – the application must be relevant, demonstrate the organisation’s capacity to coordinate, manage and implement the project, and clearly align with the goals of the European Solidarity Corps. A strong track record in international cooperation is essential. Organisations applying for the support role must demonstrate experience in implementing development projects in third countries. As the safety and protection of volunteers is the top priority, organisations, especially host but also support ones, must have established emergency procedures and describe them in detail in their application.

For more information about Humanitarian Aid Volunteering projects, please visit the CZELO website or consult the European Solidarity Corps Programme Guide.