Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is Collaborate?

Collaborate is a web app that connects people to volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests. For volunteers, Collaborate lets swipe through projects in your area that match your skills, interests, and what you are looking for.

+ Why can't I find Collaborate in the app store?

Collaborate is a web app which means the app can be used on any device, whether that is a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Although a web app, Collaborate has been optimised for smartphone use and can be used on either an Android or IOS phone. Web apps can’t be downloaded from an app store, however, you can still save Collaborate to your home screen for quick and easy access.

+ How do I download the app?

You can save the Collaborate app to your desktop so it can be quickly accessed like you would with an app from the App store. It is easy to do this, but the instructions do vary depending on the smartphone you are using. For download instructions, simple select whether you are using an android or an iOS powered device.

+ What type of volunteering opportunities are available?

There is a large range of volunteering opportunities available on Collaborate – from one-off, project-based or ongoing opportunities. There is also a range of online opportunities that can be completed by anyone no matter where in the world they may be.

+ Once I have created a volunteer profile will I be able to change it?

Photo, location, interests and skills can be changed at any time by selecting the my account tab on the right-hand corner of the app. You can't change your username however.

+ Can I change my username?

No you can't. This is for security reasons. If you have made an error while setting up your account please let us know and we can delete your account, so you can start again.

+ Why does it say "Create an opportunity" and "Published opportunities" in my app?

Those two pages are for the organisations who use the platform, as a volunteer you won't use them.

+ As a volunteer can I also post a volunteer opportunity?

If you are looking for volunteers on behalf of any socially-focused organisation can use Collaborate – whether your organisation is a charity, social enterprise, community group or just a group of people creating positive change in New Zealand. However, if your account is set up for you as a volunteer, then we recommend you create your own organisation account. This way your username and picture can match your organisations. We may not accpet your volunteering opportunity under your personal volunteer account for security reasons too. For more information please see our terms and conditions.

+ What is Collaborate?

Collaborate is a web app that connects people to volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests. For community organisations, Collaborate lets you post projects that you need volunteers for so you can find skilled volunteers quickly.

+ Does it cost to use Collaborate?

Collaborate is free for both volunteers and community organisations to use.

+ My organisation is not a register charity, but we need volunteers. Can I still post opportunities?

Absolutely. Any socially-focused organisation can use Collaborate – whether your organisation is a charity, social enterprise, community group or just a group of people creating positive change in New Zealand. For more information please see our terms and conditions.

+ Why do I need to create a new account?

As the Collaborate app has completely relaunched, Organisations will need to create new accounts and new volunteer opportunities. For Organisations, our old system was a manual process. You would submit a volunteering opportunity through a form on our website and we would then post it to the app. With the new Collaborate app, you get to cut out the middle man (the Collaborate team) and have much more control over your account and volunteer listings.

+ Once I have created an account/ listing why does this still need to be approved?

Because organisations have much more control in the platform, we just need to do some security checks on our end first to make sure that the organisation is who they say they are. The same goes for volunteer opportunites. Approval will happen within 24 hours. If you post regular volunteer opportunites we can mark you as an approved user, so you don't have to wait. If you are interested in this, let us know.

+ Can I change my username?

No you can't. Again, this is for security reasons. If you have made an error while setting up your account please let us know and we can delete your account, so you can start again.

+ Do I need to select my interests, skills and location when creating an account.

No, these filters are for people wanting to find volunteering opportunites. If you want to find your volunteer opportunity you can find this easily through "Published opportunities". If you want to see how volunteers will find in, then feel free to set your filters and get swiping.

+ Can I apply for volunteer opportunies under my organisations account

You can! However, your email address and username will be tied to your organisation. We recommend creating your own volunteer account, if you would like to keep things separate.

+ Why am I not receiving any applications?

This may be for a couple of reasons. First, the expressions of interest may be going to spam, promotions or clutter folder. To make sure this doesn't happen, please add collaborate@letscollaborate.co.nz to your safe senders list.
If you have checked your spam and your promotions or clutter folder and there are no emails, then you have not received any expressions of interest. If this is the case, you may want to edit your listing to help attract volunteers. Check out our handy guide for some quick edits. You can also get in touch with us and we can help you.