Join an existing organization, or start your own event
Joining an organization that already runs volunteer projects is the least work, and you can do it on your own or with a group. Starting your own event gives you more control, but you handle permission, safety and disposal.
How the two options compare
Join an existing organization
Volunteer-matching sites, food bank locators and national cleanup programs. Each city guide also lists its December partners.
VrijwilligerswerkNL — Zoek vrijwilligerswerk
National association's search tool for existing volunteer roles across the Netherlands, filterable by region and type of work.
https://www.vrijwilligerswerk.nl/zoek-vrijwilligerswerk/default.aspx
Voedselbanken Nederland — Locatiesm
Location finder for the national Voedselbanken Nederland network; contact your nearest food bank about volunteering or a donation drive.
https://voedselbankennederland.nl/locaties/Landelijke
Opschoondag (national cleanup day)
The Netherlands' annual nationwide litter cleanup day (organised by Supporter van Schoon/Verpact); join an existing local action or register your own.
https://www.supportervanschoon.nl/alle-aanpakken/campagnes/landelijke-opschoondag-2026/
Global FoodBanking Network — Global Reach map
GFN's member map shows food-banking organisations in over 50 countries outside Europe; use it to find a national partner in markets not listed below.
https://www.foodbanking.org/global-reach/
European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) — Members
FEBA lists its one-member-per-country food-bank network across 28+ European countries; use it to find the national food bank in a European market not covered here.
https://www.eurofoodbank.org/members/
HOT Tasking Manager (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team)Remote-volunteering option: sign in with an OSM account and pick an open mapping task (roads, buildings, flood/disaster response). Disaster-response mapping projects were recruiting volunteers as of Sept 2026. No mapping experience needed.
Smithsonian Digital Volunteers Transcription Center
Remote-volunteering option: transcribe or review scans of Smithsonian archival documents and biodiversity field notes, no application or assignment needed. Open to volunteers as of Sept 2026. The site may show a brief loading check first.
World Cleanup Day — Get Involved
Register a cleanup (or join one) on the global World Cleanup Day map, coordinated by Let's Do It World; works alongside the national pages listed per-country below.
Start your own event
You choose the cause and place, and handle permission, safety and disposal.
Steps
- Pick the cause and the recipient first (a shelter, food bank, school or park), and ask what they actually need.
- Pick the place and find out who owns it: city street, city park, a separate parks agency, private land or your own office. The owner sets the rules.
- Check the small-group rule. Staying under it (no tables, tents, sound or public advertising) usually means no permit.
- If you go past it, file the official form early and ask whether you need insurance naming the city.
- Write a one-page risk assessment: hazards, first aid, weather plan, who to call.
- Collect waivers or sign-in sheets if the partner or venue asks for them.
- Arrange supplies and disposal (bag pickup, drop-off slot or delivery) before you invite people.
- Afterwards, count what you did and send the totals to the group and the recipient.
Starter kits
Vereniging VrijwilligerswerkNL — Aansprakelijkheid (liability)
National guidance on volunteer liability and insurance basics for anyone setting up a volunteer activity in the Netherlands.
https://www.vrijwilligerswerk.nl/kennis/wetten-en-regels/2497712.aspx
MOVISIE — Checklist voedselveiligheid voor vrijwilligersorganisaties
Free national checklist on food safety rules for volunteer organisations handing out or selling food/drink at an event.
Landelijke Opschoondag
Register your own cleanup action (opruimactie) for a free cleanup kit as part of the national campaign, or use its format any time of year.
https://www.supportervanschoon.nl/alle-aanpakken/campagnes/landelijke-opschoondag-2026/
Earth Day / EARTHDAY.ORG — Great Global Cleanup Toolkit
Free, practical step-by-step guide for planning and running your own litter cleanup anywhere in the world — supplies checklist, safety tips, promotion tips.
https://www.earthday.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-The-Great-GLobal-Cleanup-Toolkit-.pdf
World Cleanup Day — 10 Steps to Organize a Cleanup
Let's Do It World's own step-by-step guide to starting a brand-new cleanup, usable any time of year, not just on World Cleanup Day itself.
https://www.worldcleanupday.org/post/10-steps-to-organize-a-cleanup-for-world-cleanup-day
KU Community Tool Box — ToolkitsFree, university-hosted library of practical guides for planning any community event or initiative from scratch — outreach, logistics, sustaining momentum.
Where to submit
Litter-grabber and bag-ring loan form
Gemeente Amsterdam's online application form to borrow free litter grabbers and bag rings from a district depot.
Evenement melden (free event notice, online)
Online notice form for a small gathering (up to 250 people, no stalls/sound) that isn't a full 'event'; free, submit at least 2 weeks ahead.
Vergunning evenementen aanvragen (full event permit)
City page explaining how to apply for a full paid event permit if your gathering is bigger or in a busy square/park; links on to the application process.
https://www.amsterdam.nl/ondernemen/evenement-organiseren/vergunning-evenementen-aanvragen/