Mothers and babies

Welcome to VSO USA

We're a community of changemakers committed to creating a fair world for everyone. For more than 60 years, we've been pioneering a unique approach to development, working hand-in-hand with local organizations, governments, and global partners.

At VSO, we go beyond aid—our mission is to empower communities to become the architects of their own futures. With the generous support of institutional donors like USAID and GAC, we're making a difference in over 20 countries. Experience the transformative impact of Volunteering for Development (VfD) with us.

Our funding partners 

We are deeply grateful for the support of our institutional donors, including USAID and GAC. Their contributions empower us to implement life-changing projects that span multiple sectors, from education and healthcare to sustainable livelihoods and resilience building. Learn more via the links below.

Volunteer laughs with girl in wheelchair

Our work

We bring about lasting change by working through volunteers and partners to empower communities in some of the world’s poorest regions.

Dennis, national volunteer on DESIP project

Partner with VSO

We believe progress is only possible when we work together. Partnerships lie at the root of all the positive change we create.

VSO community volunteers

About VSO USA

VSO USA plays a unique role in the broader VSO International network, focusing on projects primarily funded by USAID and GAC.

Our impact

In 2022-23, VSO International reached 10.9 million people, nearly 7.4 million indirectly and over 3.5 million directly.

Find out more in our annual report

3.2m

Over 3.2 million were reached through our education projects.

200,000

Almost 200,000 people were reached through our resilient livelihoods programme.

90,000

Almost 90,000 people were reached through our health projects.

87,000

Over 87,000 through our wider work on resilience, inclusion and social accountability.

About us

Fatima looks to the sun

Vision, values and strategy

A fair world for everyone. Creating lasting change through volunteering.

Female farmers high five

Volunteering for Development (VfD)

At VSO USA, we believe that the most sustainable form of aid isn't just about sending resources; it's about empowering communities to uplift themselves. This is where our Volunteering for Development (VfD) philosophy comes into play.

Young farmers
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

Annual report 2022-23 (PDF)

Learn more about our impact in the past year.

Latest news

National Youth Engagement Network in Nigeria

Transforming individuals, communities and societies through active citizenship

Volunteers are an incredible resource, who are making a vital contribution to the delivery of the sustainable development goals. They are also stepping up to question, to challenge, to hold decision makers to account for their actions.

Vilma in the classroom

From Kenya to Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, meet the volunteer igniting change across the world

Vilma Esoto is a remarkable national volunteer working hard in the Philippines, where she ensures that out-of-school youth get the relevant mentorship and leadership skills they deserve, to achieve a prosperous future.

Join us 

Become a part of our global community of partners, advocates and volunteers. Browse our site to discover our impactful projects, our unique approach, and the many ways you can contribute to lasting change.

Get in touch