The German National Prize
Since 1997, the German National Foundation has honored individuals and organizations committed to democracy, social participation, and cohesion in Germany and Europe with the German National Prize and a sponsorship award. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The German National Prize honors outstanding commitment to democracy, social participation, and cohesion in Germany and Europe. It reinforces the idea of the German nation as part of a united Europe and especially supports initiatives by young people through an additional award.
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Non-profit Organizations
Evaluation criteria
- Commitment to democracy and social participation
- Contribution to social cohesion
- Alignment with the foundation's current focus areas
Description
The German National Prize honors outstanding commitment to democracy, social participation, and cohesion in Germany and Europe. Since 1997, the German National Foundation has annually recognized individuals as well as non-profit associations and initiatives that make a tangible contribution to strengthening democratic values through innovative ideas and sustainable actions. The award is endowed with up to a total of 50,000 euros and can be divided between the National Prize and an additional sponsorship award. It emphasizes the idea of the German nation as part of a united Europe and particularly supports projects by young people.
The application deadline is continuously open, and a straightforward application is possible at any time. Eligible for funding are private individuals as well as non-profit organizations from all over Germany, with a special local connection to Hamburg. The selection is made by a jury consisting of board members, senate members, and the management, who decide based on the criteria of commitment to democracy and social participation, contribution to social cohesion, and alignment with the foundation’s current focal points. Previous laureates range from Holocaust survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch to the BioNTech founding duo Özlem Türeci and Uğur Şahin. The German National Prize provides a platform for courageous initiatives and encourages dialogue on national identity and European solidarity.
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