North Rhine-Westphalia announces 2027 Engagement Prize and Moers unveils Heimat Award

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the NRW Foundation are inviting applications for the Engagement Prize NRW 2027. The deadline is 15 September 2026. Eligible applicants are non‑profit initiatives, clubs, associations, foundations, gGmbHs and public bodies that have existed for at least two years and rely on unpaid citizen involvement. Projects must match the theme “Together acting: For a vibrant democracy”. Twelve projects will be highlighted as “Engagement of the Month” and receive €1,000 each; three overall winners will receive €5,000 each, selected by an online vote, a jury and the NRW Foundation.

The city of Moers is also calling for nominations for its Heimatpreis, part of the “Heimat. Zukunft. Nordrhein-Westfalen” programme. Applications close on 20 September 2026. The award offers up to €5,000, divided among up to three winners, and recognises voluntary projects that preserve and present local heritage, strengthen community cohesion, promote culture, history, environmental and climate protection, biodiversity, inter‑generational and intercultural dialogue, or support local sports clubs. A jury will select the laureates, with the announcement slated for November 2026 and the ceremony in January 2027.