Vodafone World of Difference UK
Overview
The programme is designed to take corporate giving beyond the traditional “cheque book charity” space and to tap into the energy, skills and difference which people can make and utilise mobile to make it happen.
Designed to appeal to those who wish to take a paid career break and use their skills and experience in the third sector, the programme is also popular with social entrepreneurs, supporting many in developing organisations whose primary focus is to deliver social change.
Managed by Vodafone Foundations, World of Difference currently operates in 19 countries around the world with over 3025 individual winners to date. An on line movement of 250,000 fans are following the programme via social media channels, mobilising and supporting the winners in their efforts to make a difference and deliver social change.
First launched in the UK in 2008 and ran for 5 years.
Initially the programme offered 6 lucky winners the chance to work for a UK registered charity overseas for 12 months. In 2009 World of Difference UK was expanded and alongside the international programme, 500 winners wre offered the opportunity to work for their charity of choice for two months (or four months part time). The programme came to a close in 2013 having supported 2022 winners who donated their time to over 1500 different UK registered charities.