Competition 5×500 – Citizens' Foundation Living Schwelm

The BürgerStiftung Lebendiges Schwelm provides a continuously available funding pillar for initiatives with a local connection to the city of Schwelm through the 5×500 competition. Private individuals, educational institutions, interest groups, and other associations can submit projects aligned with the foundation’s thematic priorities: from nature education activities to movement and nutrition programs, as well as artistic, linguistic, or social support measures for children and youth. Five selected projects each receive a grant of up to 500 € to sustainably improve the living conditions of young people in North Rhine-Westphalia and to permanently strengthen their engagement. The focus on environmental and nature conservation, culture, music, health, as well as education and training offers diverse opportunities for creative and socially impactful projects.

Submissions can be made year-round and are evaluated by a panel consisting of the foundation’s board and external jurors based on the following criteria: relevance to the foundation’s objectives, demonstrable improvement of the living conditions of children and youth, and regional connection to Schwelm. After reviewing the proposals, awards are presented in the second quarter of each year within the framework of the foundation council (dates will be announced in due course). The streamlined application process without fixed deadlines creates a low-threshold opportunity for individuals, school classes, kindergartens, groups, and associations to implement local ideas and benefit from a proven funding structure.