Applications are now open for the KfW Award Urban Living 2025, marking the second occasion that KfW Group is offering these awards. Municipalities and municipally-owned enterprises across Germany are invited to submit projects that have improved living quality in their areas by March 17, 2025.
The award seeks to recognize innovative solutions addressing challenges such as climate change, digitalization, and demographic shifts. It aims to inspire future municipalities through successful examples focusing on integration, innovation, affordability, and sustainability.
Projects can compete in categories like "Energy and Heating Transition," "Digital Education," or "Affordable and Space-Efficient Housing." A special prize titled “Living Inclusion – Disabled Sports Unites Municipalities” is also available. This category acknowledges efforts made by municipalities to include disabled individuals in sports activities and is presented in collaboration with the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS).
The "Energy and Heating Transition" category will highlight municipal projects promoting climate-friendly urban sectors or neighborhoods. The "Affordable and Space-Efficient Housing" category will reward housing initiatives focusing on efficient space use and affordability. Meanwhile, the "Digital Education" category will honor digital training implementations.
A total of EUR 40,000 in prize money is allocated equally among the four categories. First place winners receive EUR 5,000; second place receives EUR 3,000; third place gets EUR 2,000. Prize money will be directed to a non-profit organization chosen by each winning municipality.
An expert jury will select winners for each category with details about jury members being released in February 2025. Winners will be celebrated at an event during the German Municipal Congress organized by the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB) on June 3, 2025, in Berlin. Media coverage of the event will be provided by n-tv.
For more information and application forms visit (in German).