Honoring societal innovators: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Alexander von zur Mühlen celebrate awards recipients of the startsocial competition at the Chancellery
In a grand event held on June 4, 2024, at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, the winners of the 2024 startsocial competition were honoured for their outstanding contributions to social initiatives, charities, and projects.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz presented his special award to Weilburg erinnert e. V. from Weilburg in Hesse, a charity committed to an active culture of remembrance and commemoration in memory of victims of the Nazi regime and those who resisted it. The charity works resolutely against racism and antisemitism.
Erica's Manna Mobil e. V., a social initiative based in Wiesbaden, Germany, was also recognised for its work in distributing food and promoting community. Up to 80 young people from over 60 different countries of origin and various types of school come together daily at Erica's Manna Mobil e. V., receiving a free, hot meal.
The success of the competition is attributed to the volunteering efforts of the website employees, who have supported over 1,300 initiatives in the competition since 2012. This year, three website colleagues were active as coaches for the winning initiatives.
The nationwide startsocial competition awards 100 four-month scholarships to initiatives addressing social challenges. The 25 most convincing initiatives were invited to Berlin and received awards totaling 35,000 euros. The event honoured 25 social initiatives that promote democratic values and social interaction.
The competition encourages initiatives that tackle social challenges with the help of volunteers. The next startsocial competition (in Germany only) is open for applications until July 10, 2024. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official startsocial website directly or contact the organizers.
Alexander von zur Mühlen, a member of the website's management board, honoured Erica's Manna Mobil e. V. The startsocial competition has had the website as its main partner for over 10 years. The winners of the next competition will have the opportunity to work with experts and receive funding to further develop their organisations, projects, and ideas.
Education and self-development were evident in the winners of the 2024 startsocial competition, as they received scholarships to further develop their organizations, projects, and ideas. The competition, which encourages initiatives that tackle social challenges with the help of volunteers, aims to promote democratic values, education, and self-development.
