Every year, we celebrate projects that strive to create a sustainable world and a better future for us all!
How do I participate?This annual award is part of the commitment that Worldpackers has maintained since its founding in 2014: to work collaboratively to create a resilient and integrated community where people's needs are met and the environment thrives.
Every year, the Worldpackers community comes together to vote for the 10 most deserving projects for their socio-environmental impact to receive our prize of US$20,000, divided such:
Create your profile and add the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that your project supports to it.
Confirm more than 10 trips, receive 6 or more reviews, and maintain an average rating of 4.8 or higher throughout the year. Track the quality of your exchanges here!*
Reviews must endorse the SDGs you have highlighted in order to be considered for our award.
We will select the 10 projects that received the most endorsed reviews by travelers in 2025 from around the world to win our award. The requirements are:
*To be eligible, projects must receive Worldpackers Top Host status at least 30 days before the award date. Only trips confirmed in 2025 will be considered.
Worldpackers is not responsible for potential payment method restrictions in certain countries and reserves the right to monitor, discontinue, or suspend participation in the Annual Award for any hosts who do not comply with the previously agreed Terms of Use and the Quality and Safety Policy for Experiences.
Check out the award-winning projects, chosen by the Worldpackers community.
Portugal • Loulé
This animal rescue center in Portugal saves, rehabilitates, and rehomes abandoned dogs and cats. Volunteers are key to daily walks, feeding, and loving care. With strong local outreach, education on animal welfare, and cozy wooden kennels, ARA gives second chances to animals and healing to those who help them.
Germany • Sammatz
It is an international community with over 37 years of history and many projects made with the help of volunteers, where 250+ people are building a new way of living, prioritizing people and nature.
Argentina • Mendoza
Their project aims to make a positive impact, supporting socially vulnerable individuals. With a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and friends, they've worked on this mission for over 20 years. Valuing respect, understanding, and love, all participants receive necessary accommodations for their involvement.
Laos • Vang Vieng
The SAE LAO project in Nathong Village, Laos, has been empowering local youth since 2008 by providing English education, sustainable farming, and community initiatives. Volunteers contribute to teaching, farm work, maintenance, and more while experiencing the beautiful local environment. Despite challenges from COVID-19, SAE LAO is rebuilding, offering meaningful opportunities for volunteers to make a real impact in the community.
Brazil • Nazaré Paulista
Nazaré Uniluz is a space for continuous learning, offering courses, meditation practices, and personal growth experiences. Surrounded by the Atlantic Forest, it fosters spiritual connection, nature immersion, and volunteer work. For over 40 years, it has welcomed diverse individuals to deepen self-awareness, engage in altruistic service, and cultivate inner peace through communal living.
Thailand • Samoeng District
This project helps to build and maintain public schools for the Karen tribes in northern Thailand. It also provides scholarships and English classes. All of this is made possible thanks to the collaboration of volunteers.
Spain • Valencia
La Casa del Viento is an eco-farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and community building. With 62 hectares of land, this project creates a positive environmental impact by fostering a deeper connection with nature. It provides volunteers with the opportunity to engage in meaningful work while embracing simplicity and cultural exchange.
United Kingdom • Ulverston
Located in the UK’s Lake District, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre offers volunteers a chance to support a vibrant Buddhist community. Help with gardening, guest services, cooking, or renovations while experiencing Buddhist life. This peaceful retreat, set in 70 acres of nature, has been fostering spiritual growth and connection for years.
France Saint-Mars D'outillé
The project provides a serene retreat in northwest France, fostering inner peace and connection. Rooted in Buddhist teachings, volunteers engage in diverse tasks, attend meditation classes, and respect community rules, fostering personal and spiritual growth.
United Kingdom • Derbyshire
Tara International Kadampa Buddhist Retreat Centre offers a unique opportunity to explore spiritual life without leaving behind your everyday responsibilities. Nestled in a peaceful community of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners, the center promotes values like love, patience, and compassion. Volunteers help maintain this serene space, contributing to its beauty and supporting others in their journey toward inner peace.
Check out the award-winning projects, chosen by the Worldpackers community.
Kenya • Nyamira
This NGO provides support in education, health, water, and self-sufficiency to families. Prioritizing well-being, they aim to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, offering guidance and tools for life through passionate volunteers.
Argentina • Mendoza
Their project aims to make a positive impact, supporting socially vulnerable individuals. With a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and friends, they've worked on this mission for over 20 years. Valuing respect, understanding, and love, all participants receive necessary accommodations for their involvement.
Thailand • Samoeng District
This project helps to build and maintain public schools for the Karen tribes in northern Thailand. It also provides scholarships and English classes. All of this is made possible thanks to the collaboration of volunteers.
Germany • Sammatz
It is an international community with over 37 years of history and many projects made with the help of volunteers, where 250+ people are building a new way of living, prioritizing people and nature.
Costa Rica • Drake Bay
Located in Punta Ganadito, Finca Ganadito focuses on regenerative agriculture and sustainable living. Volunteers immerse in the rural Costa Rican lifestyle, and engage in learning, science, & sustainability activities, leaving a positive ecological footprint.
Costa Rica • Paraíso
Managed by ASODECAH, the project promotes sustainable living and multicultural connections. Volunteers enjoy rewarding experiences in stunning nature, with activities like language lessons and yoga retreats, fostering a harmonious atmosphere.
France • Saint-Mars D'outillé
The project provides a serene retreat in northwest France, fostering inner peace and connection. Rooted in Buddhist teachings, volunteers engage in diverse tasks, attend meditation classes, and respect community rules, fostering personal and spiritual growth.
Sweden • Asarum
The hosts are passionate about sustainable living and tasty food, creating a welcoming environment where volunteers relax in nature. From cooking to cleaning, there's always something exciting. Join them near Karlshamn to learn about cuisine, teamwork, and our values, building an authentic, happy community.
Slovenia • Gradišica
Volunteers experience real farming, surrounded by nature. Organic farming practices promote sustainability and biodiversity. It's a chance to learn, adapt, connect with nature, and cultures, and create lasting memories.
+2 million
hours of social and ecological impact volunteering facilitated since 2014
5820
social and ecological projects registered
4.7
star average review for Travelers
74%
of our Applicants finish our Volunteering & Collaborative Exchange Certificates
Create awareness around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Encourage our most impactful hosts to provide culturally enriching and educational exchanges
Assist the most impactful social and ecological projects in our community
Spread knowledge & create a resilient, thriving, and abundant future
Worldpackers is a global community of conscientious travelers and welcoming hosts promoting thousands of connections and unique experiences since 2014. We seek to foster the development and transformation of the world into a more socially & environmentally sustainable place, and we address the impact of each experience through the UN Sustainable Development Goals as listed below:
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