1. How do I apply for World of Difference?
You can start applying from 18 June and all applications must be in by 30 July. Before you apply you’ll need to approach a charity, get their support and agree a plan for your year of charity work. You’ll need to provide this information, along with details of the charity, when you apply. Your charity must be a UK registered charity but you can work anywhere in the world where they have a programme. You should aim to be working for the Charity outside of the UK but may work for the Supervising Charity in the United Kingdom for part of the 12 month period (e.g. for fundraising, project management and planning purposes).
We also recommend that you prepare your answers in advance and paste them into the online application form when you’re ready to apply. Once you’ve submitted the form you can’t go back and amend it.
2. How do I know if I’m eligible to apply?
You are eligible to apply if you are over 18 and a resident of the UK.
3. What will I need to apply?
Before you apply, please make sure you:
If your application is missing any of this information, we’re sorry but we won’t be able to take it any further.
4. Do I have to approach the charity I want to work with before I apply?
Yes. You’ll need to have approached a UK registered charity, gained their support and agreed a plan with them before you apply. If you haven’t agreed a plan with your charity and are unable to provide their details on the application we’re sorry, but we won’t be able to accept your application.
5. Can I work anywhere in the world?
Yes, but don’t forget, it must be a UK registered charity.
6. Do I have to have been a volunteer in the past?
No. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never volunteered for anything in the past. If you’ve always wanted to work for your dream charity, but have never had the opportunity, this is your chance to show what you have to offer and make a difference.
7. How much detail do I need to give on the application form?
In your application, you’ll need to state your plans and outline your goals for the year. The more you prove to us that you have the passion, knowledge, skills and qualities to achieve your aims, the more chance of success you will have. Although the application limit has a set word count of 350 words per question, you don’t have to use every single word. If you can state your case in less, that’s just fine.
8. How will I know if I’ve been successful?
We’ll hold telephone interviews in August for our shortlisted applicants. From this shortlist, 16 finalists will be selected and invited to London to meet our judging panel for the final round, on 10 September. It’s important to ensure that your contact details are correct and will still be valid until 4 September. Please also ensure that you provide a mobile number in case we can’t reach you on your home phone during working hours. If you’re going to be on holiday during the last two weeks of August, it’s really important that we have a mobile number for you.
9. When do I have to submit my application by?
The closing date for all applications is 30 July.
10. Can I submit my application by post?
We’re sorry but all applications must be submitted online. Don’t worry, our online application process is really easy.
11. Will I hear if I haven’t been successful?
We’ll let all shortlisted applicants know if they’ve made it through to the final round by 4 September. From here, 16 people will go through to the final round where they’ll be interviewed by a panel of judges made up of both the Foundation and external charity partners on 10 September. We’ll then narrow this 16 down to four successful applicants who’ll be selected for the World of Difference programme. A further four will be selected by members of the public from voting on a Facebook profile.
12. If I’m successful when does my year begin?
You’ll be expected to start your World of Difference year by 31 October 2009 if you’re selected.
13. Any hints and tips for filling in the application form?
Don't hurry. Take your time to build your case and you’ll have more chance of getting through to the final and hopefully becoming one of the lucky chosen eight. You’ll need to tell us all about your plans and goals for the year ahead. The more you prove to us that you have the passion, knowledge, skills and qualities to achieve your aims, the more chance of success you will have.
14. Will I have any responsibilities other than my role for the charity?
Yes. Throughout your World of Difference year you’ll be required to blog or post inspirational stories of your experiences working for your charity, at least twice a week, online.
