Animal Welfare Founders' Prize 2025

The Animal Welfare Founder’s Prize 2025 of the Animal Welfare Foundation Bochum honors voluntary initiatives that create natural habitats for animals and promote environmental education in the Ruhr area. Awards are given to private individuals, groups, school classes, neighborhoods, teams, and associations based in Bochum or Hattingen, provided they do not pursue commercial interests and minors name a legal guardian. Projects sought are those that combine sustainable nature conservation aspects with commitment to animal and environmental protection – from wintering quarters for hedgehogs to insect nesting boxes to neighborhood litter collection campaigns. A qualified jury evaluates the submissions based on sustainability, voluntary engagement, and educational relevance for animal welfare and environmental awareness. The award strengthens local actors and makes their commitment publicly visible.

The prize money totaling €3,000 is distributed among the top three places as follows: 1st place €1,000, 2nd place €750, 3rd place €500; additionally, honorary prizes of €150 each are awarded. Submissions require a concept sketch or project documentation as well as photographic material, videos, or drawings and the provision of name, age, address, email address, and telephone number. The award ceremony will take place in September 2025. Interested applicants meet the funding requirements if they can prove a registered office or residence in Bochum or Hattingen, do not pursue commercial purposes, and – in the case of minors – designate a supervising person. The competition promotes creative, locally rooted engagement and emphasizes the responsibility of all generations for the well-being of our fellow creatures.