In 1985, the United Nations designated 5 December as International Volunteer Day.
This day of recognition highlights the vital role volunteers play across the globe. Organisations are encouraged to celebrate the efforts of their volunteers, while raising public awareness of their contributions in the community.
On International Volunteer Day 2025, the United Nations officially launched the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). IVY 2026 promotes and recognises volunteerism as a key driver of sustainable development and highlights the important contribution volunteers make towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
International Volunteer Day Certificate of Recognition
To help celebrate International Volunteer Day, the State Government provides a downloadable Certificate of Recognition template, signed by the Minister for Volunteering. The certificate offers organisations and community groups a meaningful way to thank volunteers for their valuable contributions and recognise the important role they play in strengthening communities across Western Australia.
The 2026 Certificate of Recognition template is available to download in editable packs of single, 10 and 25 certificates.
To access and download the template, please complete the online form.
A Word version is also available for mail merge upon request. Email via email: volunteering@communities.wa.gov.au
International Volunteer Day Grants Program
The Department of Communities also delivers the International Volunteer Day Grants Program, which offers small grants of up to $1,000 for organisations to host volunteer recognition events or associated activities.
Applications for the 2026 International Volunteer Day Grants Program are closed.
To view successful grant recipients from 2026 and previous years, please visit the International Volunteer Day Grants Program recipients' webpage.
Share your celebrations on social media using #IVD2026 or tag us @DepartmentofCommunities (Facebook) @DepartmentofCommunitiesWA (LinkedIn)
If you have any questions, please email volunteering@communities.wa.gov.au.
