Germany expands volunteer awards with local and national honors

The city of Delmenhorst has opened nominations for its annual "Ehrenamt des Jahres 2026" award, part of the "Ehrenamt verbindet" ceremony scheduled for 27 October. Nominations, which must be submitted by 14 September, are welcomed from any local volunteer, with a special focus on young people, and will be judged by an independent jury.

Separately, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) in Berlin awards the "Helfende Hand" prize to recognize outstanding volunteer work in civil protection. The prize, administered by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance in Bonn, aims to promote youth recruitment, innovative concepts, and broader public appreciation for the more than 1.7 million volunteers involved in Germany’s population‑protection system.