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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 honors projects, initiatives, and organizations that combat loneliness and strengthen social cohesion. Eligible applicants include, among others, civil society initiatives, clubs, associations, as well as municipalities and public institutions. The award is presented in four categories and includes 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 awareness 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 Fund 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 are eligible to 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.
Aug 16

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

For the first time, the German Community Award honors projects, initiatives, and organizations that combat loneliness and strengthen social cohesion. Eligible applicants include, among others, civil society initiatives, clubs, associations, as well as municipalities and public institutions. The award is presented in four categories and includes 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, young people, 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. Sports clubs and organizations in Reinickendorf can nominate individuals until March 31.
[Translate to English:] Eine erwachsene Person bindet einem Kind auf einem Sportplatz die Schnürsenkel der Fußballschuhe.

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