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2026 German Community Award

08/16/2026
A price of Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMBFSFJ)
[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“.

[Translate to English:] Foto: Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMBFSFJ) / Kompetenznetz Einsamkeit (KNE)

For the first time, the German Community Award recognizes projects, initiatives, and organizations that combat loneliness and strengthen social cohesion. Eligible applicants include civil society initiatives, clubs, associations, as well as municipalities and public institutions. The award is presented in four categories and comes with prize money.

What is it about?
The award recognizes projects, initiatives, and organizations that reduce loneliness and promote social connectedness. It highlights effective approaches and supports the sharing of best practices.

Who is it for?
Local governments, public institutions at the local level, civil society initiatives, clubs, associations, labor unions, and workplace initiatives for employees are eligible to apply.

Why is this important?
The award raises the profile of efforts to combat loneliness and highlights projects that foster social interaction and support social cohesion. Best practices are intended to inspire others to take action themselves.

Optional
The award will be presented for the first time in 2026 and is scheduled to be offered annually through 2029. The award comprises four categories.

Further information about the award:

German Community Award 2026

Target Audience Municipalities; public institutions; initiatives; clubs; associations; labor unions; workplace initiatives
Nomination Process Self-nomination
Prize Money Yes
Prize Amount Total of €25,000; 1st place: €3,000, 2nd place: €2,000, 3rd place: €1,250 per category
Application Deadline Applications due by August 16, 2026
Date
Title
Location
Description
May 31

NAJU (Naturschutzjugend im NABU)

In the nationwide “Erlebter Frühling” contest, children up to age 13 explore nature in their local area. Individual children, groups of children, school classes, and daycare groups can participate. Entries are judged based on various criteria, including creativity, relevance to the theme, and the children’s involvement. Award-winning entries win a nature adventure day.
[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.
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.
Oct 31

Bezirksverordnetenversammlung Pankow von Berlin

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.
Oct 31

Bürgerstiftung Berlin

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.
Oct 11

Kinder- und Jugendbüro Steglitz-Zehlendorf

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 02

Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Tempelhof-Schöneberg honors outstanding volunteer work in the district. Individuals who have been actively involved for many years may be nominated for the Medal of Merit. The Incentive Award recognizes individuals, groups, or projects that contribute to the community in the district. The Incentive Award comes with a total prize of 1,500 €.
Oct 02

Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg von Berlin

In Berlin’s Tempelhof-Schöneberg district, the district office annually honors outstanding volunteer work. To this end, medals of merit are awarded to individuals who have shown sustained commitment to the common good over many years, and incentive awards—each worth €1,000—are presented to publicly recognize exemplary achievements by individuals, groups, or projects. Nominations are accepted by the Volunteer Office.
Aug 16

Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMBFSFJ)

For the first time, the German Community Award recognizes projects, initiatives, and organizations that combat loneliness and strengthen social cohesion. Eligible applicants include civil society initiatives, clubs, associations, as well as municipalities and public institutions. The award is presented in four categories and comes with prize money.
[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“.
Jul 31

Gesellschaft für Medienpädagogik (GMK)

The Dieter Baacke Prize recognizes media education projects that help children, teenagers, and families use media creatively and critically. Extracurricular projects, as well as collaborations between school-based and extracurricular institutions, are eligible to apply. The prize is awarded nationwide in six categories.
Mar 31

Bezirksamt Reinickendorf von Berlin

With the Dieter-Braunsdorf Medal, the Reinickendorf district honors individuals who volunteer to support sports in the district. The award is presented annually in bronze, silver, and gold. Starting in 2026, volunteers under the age of 27 will also be eligible for the award for the first time. Reinickendorf sports clubs and organizations can nominate candidates through March 31.
[Translate to English:] Eine erwachsene Person bindet einem Kind auf einem Sportplatz die Schnürsenkel der Fußballschuhe.

Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Community Service Initiatives in the District

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