Homeland Award North Rhine-Westphalia

This funding program targets cities, districts, and municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia that wish to recognize volunteer engagement by awarding Homeland Awards. The goal is to highlight and promote exemplary practices in the field of local heritage development.

The program of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia supports the announcement and awarding of local Homeland Awards by municipalities. The funding is exclusively intended for the prize money awarded to individuals or initiatives that have made outstanding contributions to the development of local heritage.

Funding is provided as a tied grant with fixed amounts, which depend on the status of the municipality. The funds are to be used exclusively for the prize money, which is awarded annually by the municipalities.

To receive funding, municipalities must meet certain requirements, including a council or district council resolution to participate, the establishment of prize criteria, and consideration of annual state priorities.

Applications for funding are submitted online via a dedicated funding portal. Approval is granted by the responsible district government at its discretion, and disbursement occurs after the decision becomes legally binding.

The funding program is legally anchored by a directive from the Ministry for Homeland, Municipal Affairs, Building and Digitalization of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and is subject to the provisions of the State Budget Code.