Environmental Protection
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Title
Location
Description
Contributions to local government or contributions in the fields of science, business, politics, or the arts
Strengthening the European ideal and promoting European values
Disaster Management, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services
Women's Rights, Gender Democracy, and Human Rights
Assistance for People with Disabilities
Equal Participation of People with a Migration Background
Integration and Equality
Youth Engagement
Tolerance Among People with Different Views, Nations, and Religions
Outstanding Contributions to the Neukölln District
Honoring Dedicated Individuals in the District
Preserving the memory of the Jewish past and combating prejudice and racism
Contributions to the District
Volunteer work in all areas except sports and the environment (special awards)
The Data Protection Media Award (DAME) is a nationwide competition based in Berlin that annually recognizes media outlets for their efforts to explain the topic of data protection in an accessible way and raise awareness of it. You can enter the competition with submissions in the form of videos, podcasts, written pieces, or other media formats. The prize is worth €3,000 and aims to promote the secure handling of personal data.
Commitment to Equality and Respect
Commitment to the queer community
Youth programs, senior programs, and a different focus topic each year
Commitment to People with Disabilities in the District
Contributions to the District
Commitment to Local Sports
Long-term involvement in Berlin’s elected or volunteer positions
Environment, Nature, Sustainability, and Climate Protection
Outstanding Contributions to Berlin
With the Movers of Tomorrow Award, the Allianz Foundation honors 50 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are committed to equal opportunity, social inclusivity, or protecting the planet.
Zad promotes the mobility of Arab artists in Europe. It covers travel expenses, assists with housing and daily life, and funds translations and the transport of materials—so that the works end up where they belong: in the public eye.
The WikiEule is an honorary award presented by the German-language Wikipedia community. It recognizes individuals, projects, and groups that have made exceptional contributions to the quality, development, or organization of Wikipedia and its sister projects. The award has been presented since 2014 and is given out during WikiCon.
The Three Kings Award is a Berlin-based award given to individuals and initiatives that demonstrate exceptional social commitment. The award is presented by the Diocesan Council of Catholics in the Archdiocese of Berlin. It focuses on commitment to social cohesion, democratic values, and social responsibility. The award publicly honors this commitment and brings it to the forefront.
The Nisa Volunteer Award honors Muslim women from Berlin for their outstanding volunteer work. The award is presented by the German Muslim Center Berlin e. V. and highlights the diverse volunteer work carried out by women in the city. The award recipients are nominated by their communities and selected by a jury. The goal is to raise awareness of their dedication and to encourage others.
The “Together We Are Strong and Smart!” Recognition Award honors Berlin-based daycare and school support associations that implement projects in which children and young people can actively participate in decision-making and help shape the projects. Funding is available for a wide range of ideas, from play projects to environmental initiatives. The lsfb is providing a total of €5,000 in prize money. You can apply online with your support association by May 10, 2025.
The 2026 Lotte Lemke Engagement Award is a nationwide volunteer award presented by the AWO Federal Association. It honors volunteer projects that have a tangible impact on children, combat loneliness, or promote humane migration policies. The award highlights exemplary initiatives that bring social values such as solidarity and cohesion to the forefront. The award ceremony took place at the AWO’s New Year’s reception in Berlin.
The German Award for Corporate Engagement honors companies in Germany that tackle social challenges through volunteer work—such as equal opportunity, inclusion, democracy, and climate action. You can apply online by submitting your engagement projects and listing your partner organizations. The award raises awareness of effective community engagement.
Participation and Integration
Advocacy for intercultural and social understanding or against racist violence
The Capital City Award for Integration and Tolerance recognizes efforts in Berlin that integrate people with backgrounds of migration or disadvantage and promote tolerance in everyday life. Projects, organizations, individuals, and companies based in Berlin may submit ongoing initiatives. The award is presented by Initiative Hauptstadt Berlin e.V. and is open to anyone who is actively working to foster respectful coexistence.
Gender Equality
Arts and culture projects for young people that promote diversity, inclusion, equality, participation, and democracy
Corporate Engagement Beyond the Core Business
Special Commitment by Citizens to the District
Volunteer Work
Contributions to the Public Good in the District
"Invisible" Commitment
Contributions to the District
Contributions to the District
Volunteer Work
Volunteer Work
Outstanding Contributions to Berlin
Contributions to Sports
Commitment to the Common Good
Contributions to the District
Commitment to Treptow-Köpenick
Jan 31
Each year, the Berlin Nature Conservation Award honors individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to nature and the environment in Berlin. Individuals, groups, organizations, and schools are eligible to apply. The prize money amounts to 10,000 euros. With this award, the Berlin Nature Conservation Foundation recognizes volunteer efforts that have a lasting impact and strengthen the city’s ecological well-being.
Feb 13
The German Demography Prize honors projects that develop and implement solutions to the challenges of demographic change. Organizations and initiatives based in Germany or focusing their activities there are eligible to apply. For 2026, submissions are accepted until February 13, 2026; the award ceremony is scheduled for June 4, 2026, at the Volkshaus Jena.
Feb 16
The 2026 LupoLeo Award is a nationwide grant program recognizing social engagement in the field of children and youth, with a focus on mental health. The award supports nonprofit projects in Germany that have been effectively serving young people for at least one year. A total of €130,000 will be awarded, including prize money for project, honorary, and individual awards. The deadline for submitting project ideas is February 16, 2026.
Feb 20
The 2026 LdE Elementary School Award recognizes how teachers and school administrators implement “Learning Through Engagement” in elementary schools—whether in the classroom or through school development. The award honors practical examples at every stage: from the initial idea to its firm integration into everyday school life. Elementary schools in challenging situations in selected federal states are eligible to apply.
![[Translate to English:] Fotografie](/fileadmin/_processed_/3/4/csm_preis-fuer-digitales-miteinander-engagiertes-berlin_85feff0dcc.jpg)
Feb 22
The Youth Democracy Award honors projects by young people who are committed to democracy. Under the motto “Shaping the Future—Your Vision for Tomorrow,” you can submit your project and win prize money of up to 3,000 euros. The application period runs nationwide from January 22 to February 22, 2026. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Berlin in May 2026.
Mar 15
The "JUGEND HILFT" competition recognizes projects by children and young people who are actively involved in social, political, or environmental causes. Each year, a jury selects eight particularly exemplary projects. The winners are invited to a five-day engagement camp in Berlin, featuring workshops and opportunities to interact with other young activists.
Mar 24
The BLUM Prize is an award for community service based in Berlin-Schöneberg. It is presented annually by the student body of the Robert-Blum-Gymnasium. Students announce the award, select the nominees, and vote on the winners. The award honors extracurricular initiatives or individuals who volunteer and contribute to society through social engagement.
Mar 31
The Green Buddy Award 2026 is a Berlin sustainability competition organized by the Tempelhof-Schöneberg District Office. Innovative ideas, projects, and entrepreneurial commitment to ecological and sustainable development are recognized with public acclaim, prize money, and visibility. Individuals, project groups, initiatives, and companies from Berlin can participate in six categories. The application deadline is March 31, 2026.
Mar 31
The Ribbon for Courage and Understanding honors individuals and initiatives from Berlin and Brandenburg who are committed to combating racism, discrimination, and violence. The award recognizes both long-standing commitment and courageous actions in everyday life. The award highlights acts of civic courage and empowers individuals and groups who are committed to fostering respectful coexistence.
Apr 13
The Tempelhof-Schöneberg District Office will once again present the District Mayor’s Community Award Against Loneliness in 2026. The award recognizes projects, initiatives, and individuals that promote social interaction and strengthen social cohesion in the district. The award raises awareness of local initiatives and supports networking in the field of loneliness prevention. Applications and nominations are accepted through April 13, 2026.
Apr 20
The Stefan Schörghuber Prize is a nationwide award presented by the Stefan Schörghuber Foundation to recognize charitable efforts in the fields of education and vocational participation. The award recognizes projects and initiatives that support people in difficult life situations as they enter or re-enter the workforce. The award highlights effective engagement and promotes its further development. Applications can be submitted via the official website.
Apr 20
Combining School Learning with Volunteer Work in Extracurricular Organizations
Apr 22
The Reinickendorf district will present the Ufuk-Sahin Award for the first time in 2026. The award recognizes projects and efforts to combat racism and discrimination and to promote respectful coexistence. Initiatives, campaigns, or contributions that have a social impact are eligible for nomination. Nominations may be submitted through April 22, 2026.
May 05
Do you have a project idea that strengthens social cohesion in a small East German city or town? You can submit it to the “machen!2025” civic engagement competition by May 15, 2025. A panel of experts will select 200 projects across three categories and award prize money ranging from €2,500 to €10,000. The goal is to raise awareness of community-driven ideas and support their implementation.
May 10
The Margot Friedländer Prize honors individuals, initiatives, and organizations in Germany that take action to promote tolerance, humanity, freedom, and democracy, and that contribute to raising awareness about antisemitism or the Holocaust. An independent jury selects five recipients each year. The prize is endowed with a total of 25,000 € and serves to strengthen this commitment.
May 15
The Volunteer Award recognizes dedication in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district. You can nominate individuals, groups, or organizations that are active in various fields. The goal is to highlight contributions to neighborhood cohesion, the environment, inclusion, or intergenerational engagement. In Berlin, nominations must be submitted from within the district itself.
May 26
The Berlin Prize for Business honors Berlin-based companies and startups that are shaping Berlin as a business hub through innovative ideas and sustainable business models. The award recognizes entrepreneurial achievements, social responsibility, and forward-looking approaches in various categories. The award ceremony takes place during a public event in Berlin.
May 26
The Tempelhof-Schöneberg District Office’s Queer Diversity Award recognizes commitment to diversity, acceptance, and democracy. Individuals, organizations, groups, initiatives, and projects that have an impact in the district are eligible to apply. The focus is on sustainable queer-political measures, innovation, and contributions to cohesion and dialogue within the community and society.
May 28
The Kilian Tegethoff Prize, awarded by the Marburger Bund Berlin/Brandenburg, honors individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to improving working conditions in the healthcare sector. The award focuses on advocacy for employees, representation of their interests, and sustainable improvements for salaried staff, particularly physicians in Berlin and Brandenburg.
May 31
The 2026 “Verein(t) für gute Kita und Schule” Award recognizes projects by daycare and school support associations that strengthen media literacy. We are looking for initiatives that actively involve children and young people and enable them to engage with media in a reflective and creative way. The award recognizes effective projects and helps make them replicable.
May 31
The DFB Volunteer Award honors dedicated individuals in amateur soccer who have shown exceptional commitment to their clubs. You can nominate volunteers who have made significant contributions between 2024 and 2026—regardless of their role or responsibilities. The award is presented nationwide through the state soccer associations and includes recognition events such as a “thank-you” weekend and other honors.
May 31
The Roman Herzog Prize honors projects and initiatives from Berlin that combine social engagement and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to greater social cohesion. The prize is open to individuals aged 18 and older, as well as associations, foundations, and companies. A jury selects three finalists, from which one winner is chosen to receive €20,000; the other two finalists each receive €5,000. Applications can be submitted online.
![[Translate to English:] Fotografie](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/0/csm_roman-herzog-preis-engagiertes-berlin-adam-vradenburg_0f3a9a3080.jpg)
May 31
The Silvio Meier Prize recognizes efforts in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district aimed at combating discrimination, exclusion, and violence. You can nominate individuals, initiatives, or projects, or apply yourself. The prize honors moral courage and strengthens democratic values in the local community.
Jun 15
The “Against Forgetting – For Democracy” Award honors an individual or organization that has shown exceptional commitment to democratic values, the culture of remembrance, and the fight against extremism. You can nominate suitable candidates. The award focuses on initiative, social impact, and efforts to foster long-term engagement.
Jun 30
The Praktissima is a nationwide award presented by the Federal Association of Mother Centers. The 2026 call for entries is themed “Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. Mother Centers Through the Ages.” We are seeking submissions that present visions of the future and development prospects for mothers’ centers. Submissions may be in various formats. The award ceremony will take place in Stuttgart.
Jul 25
The German Neighborhood Award honors projects and initiatives that strengthen community life at the local level. The award seeks neighborhood projects from across Germany that bring people together and actively shape their communities. The award is presented annually and includes prizes at the state level as well as in five thematic categories. The prize money amounts to up to 5,000 euros.
Aug 01
The “DRUCK MACHEN” Civic and Civic Engagement Award honors individuals who are committed to the environment, nature, climate protection, and a vibrant civil society. Nominations and self-nominations are accepted in three categories. The award recognizes commitment to initiatives, communities, government, or legal proceedings, and the “Environmental Hero of the Year” category carries a prize of 50,000 euros.
Aug 15
The NAJU Activist Award is presented once a year to an individual or group that has shown exceptional commitment to the goals and activities of the NABU Nature Conservation Youth (NAJU). It is presented at the National Delegates’ Assembly and comes with a prize of the winner’s choice valued at approximately 500 €. Individuals or groups can be nominated by mid-August.
![[Translate to English:] Fotografie](/fileadmin/user_upload/trophys/naju-aktivenpreis-engagiertes-berlin.png)
Aug 24
The Lichtenberg Democracy Award honors individuals, initiatives, associations, institutions, and projects that promote democratic coexistence in the district. Nominations may be submitted for people and organizations that are committed to combating exclusion and discrimination or that demonstrate exceptional moral courage. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Aug 31
The Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Youth Engagement Award honors young people who work to help others in the district. The award recognizes teenagers, young adults, and youth groups whose commitment strengthens the community. Anyone can submit nominations. A jury decides on the award.
Sep 01
The Inge Deutschkron Prize supports projects by young people that explore the life's work of Inge Deutschkron and the culture of remembrance. Groups of three or more people between the ages of 10 and 25 are eligible to apply. Selected projects receive up to €3,500 in project funding and support for implementation.
![[Translate to English:] Schwarz-Weiß-Aufnahme eines Holzzauns mit senkrechten Latten.](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/5/csm_marcin-czerniawski-sCMCYAik1yI-unsplash_02373de7bd.jpg)
Sep 11 18:08
The Welcome Alliance Fund awards grants to projects that integrate economic participation, a sense of belonging, and prospects for long-term residency. It supports cross-sector partnerships as well as approaches that have an impact beyond the individual project—for example, through new forms of collaboration or changes to structures and procedures.
![[Translate to English:] Zwei Hände, deren kleine Finger ineinander verschränkt sind.](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/8/csm_womanizer-toys-8oB43mw658c-unsplash_fca9ae6b93.jpg)
Sep 11 18:08
The Welcome Alliance Fund awards grants to projects that integrate economic participation, a sense of belonging, and prospects for long-term residency. It supports cross-sector partnerships as well as approaches that have an impact beyond the individual project—for example, through new forms of collaboration or changes to structures and procedures.
Sep 30
The Neukölln Civic Engagement Award recognizes projects in the district that serve the public good. The award is presented by the Neukölln District Office in collaboration with the Neukölln Engagement Center. For 2026, the award will be offered as a themed award. Residents of Neukölln will vote publicly to select the focus topic. Applications will then be accepted for projects active in that specific area.
Oct 01
The “Friends of the Year” award is a nationwide honor for library friends’ groups and support associations. It recognizes their active support of libraries and raises public awareness of their work. The prize is endowed with €2,000 and is presented along with a certificate and a plaque. Organizations can apply if they are a library friends’ group—regardless of whether they are members of the association.
![[Translate to English:] Fotografie](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/4/csm_bibliotheks-freundeskreis-des-jahres-engagiertes-berlin-guzel-maksutova_48e97063cd.jpg)
Oct 11
Through the “District Heroines” program, Steglitz-Zehlendorf honors young people between the ages of 10 and 21 who regularly volunteer in the district. You can nominate a dedicated individual by October 11, 2026. The selected “District Heroines” will be honored at an event on November 27, 2026.
Oct 31
The Pankow Volunteer Award recognizes voluntary and unpaid service for the common good in the Pankow district. Nominations may be submitted for dedicated children, teenagers, and adults, as well as initiatives and groups. Self-nominations are not permitted. Nominations for the 2026 Volunteer Award may be submitted through October 31, 2026.
![[Translate to English:] Blick auf eine Reihe mehrstöckiger Wohnhäuser mit hellen und rosafarbenen Fassaden und mehreren Balkonen.](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/a/csm_jonas-denil-DoMEXHiQMZw-unsplash_6e5d46762f.png)
Oct 31
The Buddies for Peace Award, presented by the Berlin Community Foundation, honors Berlin-based projects that introduce children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18 to democratic and nonviolent conflict resolution. Eligible applicants include schools, study groups, clubs, and organizations with school-based or extracurricular projects. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2026.
![[Translate to English:] Eine Person hält eine Hand mit ausgestrecktem Zeige- und Mittelfinger als Friedenszeichen in die Luft. Im Hintergrund liegt Schnee.](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/f/csm_priscilla-du-preez-KNf9AeHpI9o-unsplash_c14307320a.jpg)
Oct 31
The Ernst Engelbrecht-Greve Prize recognizes projects and initiatives that improve community life and infrastructure in rural areas. Groups of young people, as well as organizations and associations that work with young people in rural areas, are eligible to apply. Projects from 2025 and 2026 are eligible for the 2027 award. A total of 10,000 euros in prize money is available.
![[Translate to English:] Straße in einer Kleinstadt mit historischen Fachwerkhäusern, Bäumen und parkenden Autos.](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/4/csm_la-spri-0oNUnCadY-M-unsplash_cf8b0894a9.jpg)
Dec 15
The national “Demokratisch Handeln” competition recognizes democracy projects by young people up to age 25. Individuals, groups, or school classes may participate with projects from school or their free time. The competition seeks projects that strengthen democratic coexistence and promote civic engagement. Multi-year projects and repeat submissions are also welcome.
![[Translate to English:] Mehrere Personen legen ihre Hände übereinander. Sie tragen bunte Strickpullover in verschiedenen Farben. Das Bild vermittelt Zusammenhalt, Zusammenarbeit und gemeinsames Engagement.](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_bundeswettbewerb_demokratisch_handeln_f75bb29cb6.jpg)
The German School Award recognizes schools that provide high-quality teaching and learning. General education and vocational schools in Germany, as well as German schools abroad, are eligible to apply. During the selection process, a jury reviews the applications, conducts interviews, and visits selected schools in person. The application deadline is January 31, 2027.
![[Translate to English:] Eine Person steht lächelnd vor einem Whiteboard und erklärt Inhalte während einer Unterrichtssituation.](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/e/csm_thisisengineering-TXxiFuQLBKQ-unsplash_a0c02acda6.jpg)
Mar 27
The 2026 LdE Elementary School Award recognizes how teachers and school administrators implement “Learning Through Engagement” in elementary schools—whether in the classroom or through school development. The award honors practical examples at every stage: from the initial idea to its firm integration into everyday school life. Elementary schools in challenging situations in selected federal states are eligible to apply.
Mar 27
The 2026 LdE Elementary School Award recognizes how teachers and school administrators implement “Learning Through Engagement” in elementary schools—whether in the classroom or through school development. The award honors practical examples at every stage: from the initial idea to its firm integration into everyday school life. Elementary schools in challenging situations in selected federal states are eligible to apply.
Mar 31
The Mathias Freund Award recognizes volunteer projects that improve the care and quality of life for young people (ages 18–39) with cancer. Individuals or groups involved in volunteer work are eligible to apply; submissions must be made via email. Application materials will be available starting December 15 of the previous year; the deadline for submissions is March 31 of the award year. Prize amount: €3,000.
![[Translate to English:] Ein Kind sitzt mit dem Rücken zur Kamera in einer Wiese mit weißen Gänseblümchen. Die tief stehende Sonne scheint durch die Bäume im Hintergrund.](/fileadmin/_processed_/5/d/csm_melissa-askew-8n00CqwnqO8-unsplash_7fc3131010.png)
![[Translate to English:] Grafik zum Deutschen Gemeinsamkeitspreis 2026 auf grün-blauem Farbverlauf. Oben stehen das Logo und der Schriftzug „Deutscher Gemeinsamkeitspreis“. In der Mitte befindet sich ein weißer Kreis mit dem Text „Bis zum 16.08.2026 bewerben!“, flankiert von zwei stilisierten Megafonen. Unten steht die Internetadresse „www.kompetenznetz-einsamkeit.de“.](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/c/csm_DGP_2026_03_1600x900_quer_8517f7ac3f.jpg)
![[Translate to English:] Eine erwachsene Person bindet einem Kind auf einem Sportplatz die Schnürsenkel der Fußballschuhe.](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/a/csm_adria-crehuet-cano-yndHHu2kJAw-unsplash__1__9da7eadab4.jpg)
