In the future, more volunteers will be able to benefit – an app is also planned
Good news for volunteers in Darmstadt: The city of science is abolishing the previous limit of 500 volunteer cards per year. On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the city council decided to continue the "Hesse Volunteer Card" project indefinitely until further notice. Darmstadt will also participate in the planned introduction of a digital volunteer card app.
The city is making this decision in response to the high demand for the card. According to the administration, the number of applications regularly exceeds the previous limit of 500 cards per year. In the future, eligible applicants will no longer be rejected solely because of this quantity limit.
No more limit of 500 cards
The Hessian Volunteer Card was introduced by the state of Hesse in 2005. It serves to recognize voluntary commitment and is now widespread in almost all Hessian districts, independent cities and special status cities.
Darmstadt has also participated in the program since 2005. However, the number of cards issued annually has so far been limited to 500.
This upper limit has now been lifted. Mayor Hanno Benz, City Treasurer André Schellenberg and City Councillor Paul Georg Wandrey jointly welcome the decision.
"Given the large number of volunteers and the number of applications, which regularly exceeds 500, we are lifting this limit. Rejections based on the maximum number are therefore a thing of the past," the three city council members explained.
By continuing the project, the science city also wants to acknowledge the voluntary commitment of its citizens.
Who can receive the volunteer card?
The uniform requirements of the Hessian Volunteer Agency continue to apply for the awarding of the volunteer card.
Eligible are individuals who volunteer for an average of at least five hours per week.
Furthermore, the activity must have been carried out for at least three years. If the organization in question has not yet existed for three years, involvement since its founding is sufficient. The voluntary work must take place in Darmstadt.
Another requirement is that no compensation is paid for the work. However, the reimbursement of actual expenses is permissible.
The volunteer card will remain valid for two years, as before.
Digital volunteer card app planned for Hesse
In addition to lifting the quantity limit, the city council has decided to participate in the introduction of a volunteer card app.
Following a test phase, the digital application will also be introduced in Hesse. Similar apps are already available in several other German states, including Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony.
According to the Hessian State Chancellery, the introduction of the app is free of charge for the participating municipalities.
The blank cards for the traditional volunteer cards will also continue to be provided free of charge.
A specific date for the launch of the app in Hesse has not yet been announced.
Recognition for voluntary work
With this decision, Darmstadt will continue its participation in the Hessian Volunteer Card program on a permanent basis and at the same time expand the circle of people who can benefit from the recognition of their commitment.
The abolition of the annual maximum number of cards will likely be particularly important for many volunteers. In the future, the number of cards already issued will no longer determine whether an application can be considered; instead, it will depend on fulfilling the applicable requirements.
The most important information
Project: Volunteer Card Hesse in Darmstadt
Decision: October 28, 2026
Continuation: Indefinitely, until further notice
Previous limit: Maximum 500 cards per year
New regulation: No more annual quantity limit
Requirement: An average of at least five hours of voluntary work per week
Minimum duration: Three years or since the organization's inception
Place of work: Darmstadt
Compensation: No expense allowance; pure cost reimbursement is permissible.
Validity: Two years
Digitalization: Participation in the planned volunteer card app for Hesse
App launch: After completion of the testing phase; specific date still to be determined.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
