14x Fun volunteer work in Eindhoven

The great thing about doing something for someone else? It makes you feel amazing. Your happiness hormone levels will skyrocket! Once you are back on solid ground, you will have gained a great experience and gotten to know the city (and its people) a little better. Great if you've just moved to Eindhoven, but also if you are coming here on a city trip. From volunteering at a festival to being a host at a museum, we will show you some of the most fun, entertaining and remarkable places to volunteer.

Volunteer at an iconic library

Our tour begins at a local celebrity. De Witte Dame is one of Eindhoven's most iconic buildings. Courtesy of Philips, who built "the most beautiful Lady of Eindhoven" in the city center as a new factory building. Nowadays, it houses the Design Academy and the Eindhoven Library, among others. At the library, you can borrow, exchange and buy books. It is also the place for all kinds of (children's) activities. Reading stories, doing crafts, or helping out in the Library Café. If you dream of sitting among the books in an inspiring place, the library is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! They prefer it when you speak a little bit of Dutch. We can't think of a better place to practice your language skills! Check their website for more info. 

Become part of Philips' story

Cross the street, and you walk right into the Philips Museum. Since 2001, the small light bulb factory opposite De Witte Dame has been a national monument. At Philips Museum, you can experience the story behind this historic company by signing up as a volunteer. With more than 100 volunteers in the museum, you'll have no problem making new friends! More info here! 

Go on a date with Picasso and Chagall

If your heart leaps when hearing names like Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, Mondrian, and Appel then it's high time to apply as a volunteer at Van Abbemuseum. Who knows, you might be their perfect match. Want to share your passion for art with others? Sign up as a host! You'll find this extraordinary contemporary art museum in the city center. Keep your eyes peeled for John Körmeling's Pink House. You can’t miss it! English speakers welcome! 

Find new BFFs at Dynamo

Making new friends is much easier if you have the same interests. Are you between 16 and 28 years old? And do you exert your neck muscles every Friday night to the best metal bands? Or are you into skanking to drum and bass or discovering underground hip-hop? Then you will find your new best friends volunteering at Dynamo. Since the 1980s, Dynamo is a place for young people to develop their subculture. Join their team of volunteers and tap beers, scan tickets, and have fun with your crew mates. The sign up page is in Dutch, but they’re open to English speaking volunteers as well! 

Combine your love for books and charity

At Books4Life, you'll find second-hand books at a great price. You can also donate your own. Even better: 90 percent of the proceeds go to good causes such as Amnesty International, Oxfam Novib, and small-scale projects. This particular bookstore can be found a ten-minute walk from downtown and is run entirely by volunteers. Donate your favorite pageturners as a one-time good deed, or join their team of booklovers. Check how you can help. It's okay if your Dutch isn't perfect yet, but you do have to be able to help customers who don't speak English. 

Volunteering at a UFO

Whether you're hot for modern art, the history of Philips, or long to wander around in a futuristic fever dream, Eindhoven's museums have something for everyone. Take Evoluon, west of Strijp-S for example. Philips once built this crazy, UFO-shaped building in honor of their 75th anniversary. Now the Evoluon has opened its doors to the public for events and exhibitions, such as RetroFuture. And, you might have guessed it: they could use your help to play host or check tickets. More info here! English speaking volunteers are very welcome. Learning Dutch? They can help you with that too! 

Do good at Het Goed

Do you like to browse second-hand gems all day long? And would you like to give something back to your fellow people at the same time? Say no more! In the southwest of Eindhoven, you will find thrift store Het Goed. Right in the middle of De Hurk industrial estate, a relatively undiscovered part of the city. By becoming a volunteer at Het Goed, you contribute to their mission to give used items a second life. Interested? Just contact Het Goed Eindhoven. They prefer it when volunteers speak at least a little bit of Dutch and are happy to help you practice! 

Naturally, there are plenty more thrift stores in Eindhoven where you can enjoy volunteering. Take your pick!

Bring an ode to DAF

Where the inner city meets business park De Kade (hello Canal Zone), you will find a very special museum. A brick altar to more than 90 years of innovative transport solutions. We are talking about the DAF Museum. As a truck and car enthusiast, you can join a group of roughly 160 volunteers. Use your enthusiasm for technology to show guests around, man the reception desk, or work in the archives. At DAF Museum, the choice of volunteer work is vast. Ask them about their options for English speakers. 

Growing your own organic vegetables

Hyper-local, healthy, and delicious food. That's what you get when you sit down at Phood Kitchen. Did you know they grow their own crops? Everything they serve at Phood comes from their own farms or local farmers. Their city farm at 71 Rielsedijk has plenty of opportunities for enthusiastic volunteers, especially in spring and summer. You can also become a member of the Phood Community Farm. You'll work on the farm for about 7 hours every month and receive a 50% discount on fresh organic produce (and what tastes better than vegetables you've grown yourself?). Find out more! Their website is in Dutch, but they're very open to volunteers who don't speak the language. 

Put that green thumb to work

If you have a green thumb or enjoy being outdoors, Wasven is the place for you. Grow vegetables, herbs, and berries in the vegetable garden. Or join the woodcutting brigade that keeps trees and bushes neatly trimmed. Or the beekeeping working group that cares for the hives. It's just a small selection of all the ways you can contribute to this beautiful bit of Eindhoven greenery, whether you have experience or not. Ask them about their options for English speakers!

Travel through time while reaping karma

At the preHistorisch Dorp (prehistoric village) you will travel through 15,000 years in one day. Along the way, you will meet Stone Age hunters, prehistoric farmers, and medieval craftsmen. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in your role as a medieval blacksmith, or help out behind the scenes. For example, repairing historic clothing in their workshop, working in the office, or welcoming guests. You are guaranteed to make friends with some enthusiastic history geeks along the way! English speakers are very welcome! Check here for more info.  

Cheerfully colored working-class neighborhood

If you volunteer in Woensel-West, you'll never be bored. This Eindhoven working-class neighborhood has grown into a hip neighborhood where cultures, creativity, and a colorful mix of architecture merge. The colorful vibe of this neighborhood is made possible by the many volunteers there. From helping children with their language skills to working together against litter: there is always something to do in Woensel-West! Want to know how you can help? Contact Maud of Buurtwerkkamer 360 via 06 5981 3200 or maud@buurtwerkkamer.nl. It's perfectly fine if you don't speak Dutch, but if you're learning the language, this is a great place to practice! 

Feel the festival vibes

A classic: volunteering at the hottest festivals! Okay, maybe you're mostly behind the bar. But while you're there, you can catch some shows. And you get a taste of the festival atmosphere! Especially if you are with a lovely group of people. In our experience, volunteers are always lovely! Eindhoven hosts several festivals that are always looking for help. Think of Dynamo Metalfest, Grote Beek Pop or Das Oktober Metalfest. English speaking volunteers are welcome at almost all of them! After all, 'bier' and 'beer' are practically the same! Check our event calendar for more local events to volunteer at! 

More is more!

Some people just can't get enough of this city. Fortunately, there are ways to discover a lot of Eindhoven. Even if it's just for one day. For example, as a volunteer at GLOW, the light art festival that can be visited throughout the city every November. Or if design is more your thing, you can roll up your sleeves in October during the world-famous Dutch Design Week. For the sporty among us, you have the ASML Marathon Eindhoven. Every year, volunteers are needed to support the event in October in various ways. Cheering along is of course always allowed!