- University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) analyzes the number of volunteer facilities in Germany’s 20 largest cities
- Frankfurt am Main leads with the most volunteer facilities (194 locations, 25 per 100,000 residents), while Munich ranks last (121 facilities, eight per 100,000 residents).
- The analysis focused on volunteer fire departments, hospices, youth centers, food banks, and animal shelters.
Berlin, January 8, 2025 – At the start of the year, many people resolve to make a positive impact—an aspiration that can be effectively fulfilled through volunteering. The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) analyzed the availability of facilities in the categories of volunteer fire departments, hospices, youth centers, food banks, and animal shelters across Germany’s 20 largest cities. The results reveal significant differences and provide valuable insights into the availability of volunteer opportunities and their importance for society.
Frankfurt am Main: Leader in Volunteer Facilities
With 25 facilities per 100,000 residents and a total of 194 locations, Frankfurt am Main takes the top spot. This city offers numerous opportunities for engaged citizens to make a difference. Bielefeld follows with 23 facilities per 100,000 residents and 79 locations overall, while Dortmund (118 facilities), Essen (116), and Bochum (72) each have about 20 facilities per 100,000 residents, placing them in third place.
At the bottom of the ranking is Munich, with only 121 facilities—equivalent to just eight per 100,000 residents. Other cities with relatively few opportunities include Duisburg (9 per 100,000 residents) and Hanover (10 per 100,000 residents), which, despite their population sizes, offer fewer options for volunteering.
Prof. Dr. Frank Esken, Program Director of Psychology (B.Sc.) at the University of Europe, Iserlohn Campus, comments: “Our study highlights how crucial volunteer work is for social cohesion. The high density of facilities in cities like Frankfurt, Bielefeld, and Dortmund underscores the importance of strong infrastructure for voluntary activities. At the same time, cities with fewer facilities show an urgent need to expand these offerings. Social engagement is especially vital in today’s world, as it fosters individuals’ sense of self-efficacy—that is, the belief in one’s ability to make a difference through personal effort.”
!function(){“use strict”;window.addEventListener(“message”,(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var t in a.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();Volunteer Fire Departments: Hamburg Leads
Hamburg stands out with an exceptionally high density of volunteer fire departments. Volunteers at 45 stations are ready around the clock to help people in emergencies. These dedicated teams not only provide practical assistance but also strengthen the sense of security in the city.
Food Banks: Cologne Sets the Standard
With 86 food banks distributing food to those in need, Cologne leads in this category. Food banks make a significant contribution to social justice by ensuring that surplus food is put to good use instead of being wasted.
Hospices: Hamburg as a Pioneer
Hamburg also excels with its 32 hospices. Volunteers provide comfort and support to patients and their families during challenging times, contributing to a dignified farewell.
Youth Centers: Berlin Shines with Variety
Berlin impresses with 409 youth centers, offering a remarkable range of opportunities for young people. These facilities provide safe spaces for education, recreation, and social interaction, where young individuals can thrive. Volunteers play a key role in fostering community and guiding youth.
Animal Shelters: Hamburg’s Heart for Animals
Hamburg also leads in animal shelters, with 45 facilities. Volunteers here help provide animals with safe homes, care for them, and find new families for them. This work combines compassion for animals with a sense of social responsibility.
Prof. Dr. Esken adds: “Volunteering not only offers meaningful ways to contribute but also enriches the lives of those involved. For example, youth centers promote intergenerational exchange, which is increasingly rare, helping to break down prejudices. Animal shelters, on the other hand, encourage people to take responsibility for others—including animals—which broadens perspectives. Consider, for instance, animal-assisted therapy, which has become crucial for emotional regulation. The period between Christmas and New Year’s is an excellent time to reflect on such resolutions and implement them at the start of the year. Our analysis highlights the wide range of volunteer opportunities available.”
About the Study
The study examined the number of facilities in the categories of volunteer fire departments, hospices, animal shelters, youth centers, and food banks on Google Maps, relative to population size. Data as of December 2024.