Who We Are
Expert organization active in international volunteering, non-formal education, advocacy, research and national/international CSOs campaigns
Why Partner With Us
Lunaria is a leading Italian non-profit with over 33 years of proven experience in International Voluntary Service (IVS), youth mobility, non-formal education, and social advocacy.
We combine hands-on grassroots action with European project management expertise, making us an ideal partner for organizations seeking impact, quality, and innovation in youth work, social inclusion, and community development.
Our track record speaks for itself: thousands of volunteers mobilized, hundreds of successful projects, and a reputation as one of Italy’s most reliable and experienced organizations in the European youth sector.
Our Impact in Numbers
Our Core Expertise
Decades of experience translated into concrete competencies and high-quality projects
International Volunteering
Member of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations (50+ organizations worldwide). We design, coordinate, and host short-term workcamps and long-term ESC projects with proven quality standards.
Non-Formal Education
Erasmus+ (KA151) accredited organization. We design and deliver youth exchanges, training courses, and capacity-building activities that develop competences and empower young people and youth workers.
European Project Management
Extensive experience managing and partnering Erasmus+, ESC, Horizon and CERV projects. We handle all aspects: design, partnership building, implementation, comunication, financial management, and reporting—with a 100% approval rate.
Capacity Building
We train youth workers, camp leaders, and organization staff in NFE methodologies, intercultural learning, project management, and quality standards—sharing 33 years of expertise.
Research & Advocacy
Since 1996, we’ve produced independent research on migration, anti-racism, and social justice. We coordinate Cronache di Ordinario Razzismo and Sbilanciamoci!, influencing policy and public debate in Italy.
Partnership Development
We build and maintain long-term partnerships with municipalities, NGOs, schools, and grassroots organizations—locally and internationally—creating sustainable networks for social change.
Our Work Areas
Four interconnected pillars driving social change and European cooperation
International Voluntary Service & Youth Mobility
Since 1992, Lunaria has coordinated IVS projects—primarily short-term workcamps—in Italy, in close cooperation with local communities, municipalities, cooperatives, and grassroots groups.
How:
- Member of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations (50+ organizations worldwide)
- Around 500 Italian volunteers mobilized annually in international projects abroad
- Between 300+ foreign volunteers hosted in Italy each year
- 30-40 community-based projects co-designed annually across Italian regions
- European Solidarity Corps (ESC) hosting and sending: over 120 volunteers mobilized annually
- Intergenerational volunteering initiatives for adults
Non-Formal Education
We promote high-quality youth training and initiatives at local, national, and European levels, involving hundreds of young people and youth workers annually.
What we offer:
- Erasmus+ Accreditation (KA151): youth exchanges, training courses, partnership building, study visits, and NFE workshops
- Competence development through active citizenship and intercultural dialogue
- Knowledge production: guides, manuals, and educational toolkits published as open resources
- Groups building participation in Youth Exchanges and Trianing abroad
- Collaboration with private foundations for innovative inclusion projects
- Youth worker capacity building and methodology strengthening
Migration, Rights & Fighting Racism
Since 1996, Lunaria has been a frontrunner in independent research, advocacy, communication, and campaigns focused on migration flows, anti-racism, and discrimination.
What we offer:
- Cronache di Ordinario Razzismo: key Italian platform monitoring racism, discrimination, and hate speech
- Independent research: reports, dossiers, and articles on migration and rights
- Advocacy campaigns for voting rights, civil residence permit mechanisms, and closure of detention centers
- Inclusive community projects using sport, communication, and human rights education
- Combination of grassroots action with European cooperation
Sbilanciamoci! Public Budget Advocacy
Since 1999, Lunaria has coordinated Sbilanciamoci!, a coalition of 46 Italian non-profit organizations working on peace, human rights, environment, and ethical finance.
What we offer:
- Coalition coordination: network of researchers, journalists, and activists
- Independent research and policy reports on public spending
- Controfinanziaria: annual Alternative Budget Proposal to Italian state budget
- Sbilanciamoci.info: platform for critical socio-economic analysis and policy debate
- Impact: over 100 reports published, 500+ public events organized
- Advocacy for redirecting resources toward social justice, peace, and ecological sustainability
What We Offer
Concrete opportunities for volunteers and partners to create meaningful impact together
For Volunteers
Life-changing experiences with full support:
- Short-term workcamps (2-4 weeks) across Italy and 50+ countries
- Long-term ESC projects (2-12 months) in Europe
- Camp Leader training and development opportunities
- Comprehensive pre-departure orientation and ongoing support
- Recognition through Youthpass and academic credits (PCTO)
- Access to a vibrant community of 600+ members
For Local Organizations
Turn-key solutions for community projects:
- Design and host international workcamps in your community
- Receive trained international volunteers for your initiatives
- Access European funding and project management support
- Benefit from our 33 years of expertise and quality standards
- Join our network of 50+ partner organizations
- Capacity building workshops and training for your staff
For European Partners
Reliable collaboration on EU projects:
- Co-design Erasmus+, ESC, and CERV projects
- Professional financial management and reporting
- Quality implementation with measurable impact
- Access to our extensive Italian and European networks
- Joint development of educational resources and toolkits
- Long-term strategic partnerships for sustained impact
For Educational Institutions
Experiential learning programs:
- PCTO (Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro) agreements and credits
- University internships and volunteer placements
- NFE workshops on interculturalism and active citizenship
- Study visits and educational exchanges
- Co-designed learning paths combining theory and practice
- Youthpass certification for competence development
Our Credentials
Official recognition and quality certifications that guarantee excellence
Erasmus+ Accreditation
Official KA151 accreditation from the Italian National Agency, certifying our quality standards in youth mobility and non-formal education—a mark of excellence recognized across Europe.
ESC Quality Label
European Solidarity Corps Quality Label as both hosting and sending organization, demonstrating our commitment to volunteer safety, support, and meaningful project impact.
Alliance Membership
Full member of the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations—the world’s leading IVS network. We’ve served as international secretariat and actively contribute to governance.
CERV Programme
Active participant in the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme, strengthening European cooperation on democracy, equality, and fundamental rights.
Non-Profit Status
Registered Italian non-profit association (APS) with full legal recognition, ensuring transparency, accountability, and mission-driven operations—not profit-driven.
Insurance & Safety
Comprehensive insurance coverage for all volunteers, certified safety protocols, and experienced staff trained in risk management and emergency response.
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you’re a volunteer seeking meaningful experiences or an organization looking for a reliable partner, we’re here to collaborate and create lasting impact.
Get in Touch
