Worldpackers’ Ecological & Social Sustainability Award

Every year, your vote helps to decide how we distribute a $20,000 grant to projects that are really transforming the world.

The Award

This annual award is part of Worldpackers' long-standing commitment since its founding in 2014: to work collaboratively toward building a resilient, integrated world where people’s needs are met and the environment can thrive.

Every year, the Worldpackers community comes together to vote for the 10 projects most recognized for their social and environmental impact, which will receive our $20,000 donation, divided among them:

  • 1st place US$5,000
  • 2nd place US$4,000
  • 3rd place US$3,000
  • 4th place US$2,000
  • 5th to 10th places US$ 1,000

Winners of the 3rd edition • 2026

Check out the award-winning projects, chosen by the Worldpackers community.


See winners from previous editions

Check out the award-winning projects, chosen by the Worldpackers community.

  • 1st place

Portugal • Loulé

Animal Rescue Algarve

  • 5.0
  • 207 reviews
  • 339 trips

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.

  • 2nd place

Germany • Sammatz

Michaelshof Sammatz

  • 5.0
  • 402 reviews
  • 732 trips

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.

  • 3rd place

Argentina • Mendoza

Fundación Carmela Fassi

  • 5.0
  • 67 reviews
  • 84 trips

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.

  • 4th place

Laos • Vang Vieng

MITTAPHAP-Saelao Project

  • 5.0
  • 97 reviews
  • 196 trips

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.

  • 5th place

Brazil • Nazaré Paulista

Nazaré Uniluz

  • 5.0
  • 238 reviews
  • 273 trips

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.

  • 6th place

Thailand • Samoeng District

Watchara Organic Farm

  • 5.0
  • 200 reviews
  • 259 trips

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.

  • 7th place

Spain • Valencia

La Casa del Viento, Enguera, Valencia

  • 5.0
  • 84 reviews
  • 132 trips

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.

  • 8th place

United Kingdom • Ulverston

Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre

  • 5.0
  • 253 reviews
  • 352 trips

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.

  • 9th place

France Saint-Mars D'outillé

Centre de Méditation Kadampa France

  • 5.0
  • 143 reviews
  • 178 trips

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.

  • 10th place

United Kingdom • Derbyshire

Tara International Kadampa Buddhist Retreat Centre

  • 5.0
  • 153 reviews
  • 181 trips

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.


How do I participate in the award?

1

Become a verified member and volunteer with social and ecological projects around the world.

2

Leave your reviews and recognize the host according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

3

Vote for the projects that received the most community recognition and are making a real difference.

Cast your vote by June 19th for the 2026 edition.