Competitions

Highlighting a commitment to international mobility: that is the aim of the corporate award through which the “Vocational Training Without Borders” project will once again, in 2026, recognise companies that provide their apprentices and young skilled workers with international learning opportunities. The deadline for applications is 1 September.

Through this award, the project – which is run by DIHK Service GmbH – recognises businesses that actively promote international mobility and thereby make an important contribution to securing a skilled workforce and to international competitiveness.

You can find all the information on the Berufsbildung-ohne-Grenzen.de website

We are looking for committed individuals, organisations, businesses and institutions that, through creative projects, demonstrate how climate and environmental protection can be put into practice locally and inspire others to get involved and follow their example.

Whether it’s reducing packaging waste, joint litter-picking campaigns, a climate action group, a nature-friendly garden or an insect hotel: there are virtually no limits to creativity when it comes to the Climate Protection Award. Innovative technical solutions and new ideas for greater energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions are also welcome. The Climate Protection Award aims to highlight this commitment and give it special recognition. “Climate protection thrives on people who take action themselves and show what is possible,” says the town of Beckum.

Individuals, companies, clubs, associations, educational establishments and social institutions are eligible to take part, provided they are resident or have their registered office in Beckum. The project submitted must have been completed within the 18 months prior to the application. Projects that have not yet been fully completed may also enter, provided that initial results are already available. A jury comprising members of the Climate Advisory Board will select the best and most innovative projects.

The following aspects, in particular, will be assessed:

• the importance for climate protection in Beckum,
• the role model aspect and feasibility,
• energy and greenhouse gas savings achieved, as well as
• exceptional innovative strength.

The 2026 Climate Protection Prize carries a prize fund of 2,000 euros. The prize money may be distributed amongst several projects. Applications are open until 30 September 2026 . Entries should include the application form, a description of the project and, where possible, illustrative photographs. The documents can be sent by post to Stadt Beckum – Fachdienst Umwelt und Grün, Weststraße 46, 59269 Beckum, or by email to herzog@beckum.de.

All the information on the Climate Protection Award, the application form and the guidelines can be found here: https://www.beckum.de/klimaschutzpreis.

Until 3 September 2026 , companies from the Warendorf district can still apply for the ‘Attractive Employer in the Warendorf District 2026’ award, giving them the chance to showcase their strengths as employers and attract new talent. In conjunction with the location brand “Hey! Warendorf District – Tell us your secret”, award-winning companies will gain greater visibility and can position themselves as top employers under the hashtag #kreisverdächtig.

Click here to view the video ‘Attractive Employers in the Warendorf District 2026’ and to access the application form.

It takes about half an hour to answer the questions.

The awards recognise companies that combine sustainable transformation with economic performance, innovation and competitiveness. This year, for the first time, the competition is being run in accordance with the rules of the future European Sustainability Award. The winners will represent Germany in 2027 as National Champions at European level.

Entries are assessed across three size categories – SMEs (up to 249 employees), Large Companies (250–999) and Corporations (1,000 or more). This makes the comparison fairer and narrows the field at the top. Criteria for assessment include impact, progress, innovative strength, scalability, responsibility in value creation and pace of development – across the transformation areas of climate, resources, nature, work and society.

Finalists will be announced in autumn 2026, and the winners will be honoured on 3 December 2026 at #DNP26 in Düsseldorf. Finalists and winners will receive the new Impact Benefits such as benchmarking, communication materials, conference access and visibility on the European platform.

Take part now

• The deadline for applications is 14 September 2026

Companies that work with partners to fulfil their social responsibilities can now apply for the 2026 German Prize for Corporate Engagement. The prize is organised and awarded by UPJ e.V.

Companies of all sizes and from all sectors are eligible to apply – including, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises. The entry fees (50 to 500 euros) are based on the size of the company.

The prize is awarded in four categories by an independent jury: ‘Diversity, Participation and Cohesion’, ‘Education and Equal Opportunities’, ‘Democracy and Human Rights’ and ‘Climate and the Environment’. In addition, there is a special prize for outstanding examples of collective impact. Entries are assessed on the quality of the collaboration, its impact, innovativeness and sustainability.

As well as applications from individuals, nominations by third parties are also possible.

You can apply here.

The closing date for entries is 18 September 2026.