As part of the Hopkins study in 1998 a postal survey was also conducted of a representative sample of the Norwegian population aged 16-85 on topics such as volunteering, membership numbers, economic contributions, attitudes, values and motivations for volunteering. The results received great attention in the aftermath of the survey.

Similarly, the study conducted in 2004 was subject to great interest from the media and the organisations themselves. It was also used in the Storting’s report on voluntary sector. Updated figures have been deemed necessary, particularly in order to identify trends and changes in attitudes and values since 1998.

To ensure a high answer rate the survey will be conducted over the phone. This means however that the number of questions needs to be limited in order to keep costs down. The collected material could also be the starting point of a book.

The data collected through this project will enhance knowledge about all three main research areas: participation, transitional processes, financing and other framework conditions.