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.

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.

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 €.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Community Service Initiatives in the District