Our village has a future

The competition focuses on civic engagement.

We are looking for villages where the community works together to mobilize its own resources, thereby giving new impetus to the village’s development and ensuring that their village is—and remains—an attractive and livable place. Local commitment should be highlighted and recognized.

The competition itself is the path to the goal. Because even though prize money awaits the winners in the end, what matters most is the process and the activities that are sparked by participation.

Within this context, competition also helps us assess where we stand: “What qualities define us?” “What did we want to achieve? What have we accomplished? What still needs to be done? How do we plan to achieve this together?”

The evaluation focuses primarily on the quality of the progress made in recent years, not just the level achieved.

The awards recognize innovative ideas and projects that make village life more appealing, as well as the overall commitment of the village community.

This involves taking a holistic view of the village—both in terms of its diverse functions and appearance, and with regard to its local economic vitality as well as the social and cultural interactions among its residents.

The evaluation will consider projects and initiatives that were launched and carried out by civic groups and volunteers, or in which the village community played an active role.

Every village is unique! Just as villages, their residents, and village cultures differ from one another, community involvement in villages also takes many forms. The jury always takes into account the unique circumstances of each individual village.

Three areas, as well as the overall impression of the village, will be evaluated.

1. Our village has a future because we develop goals and strategies, contribute to improving infrastructure, and support economic initiatives:
   
   When developing plans for the future, the village community addresses, for example, the challenges posed by demographic change in the village.
   
   Mission statements, plans, and project ideas can be developed, for example, in working groups. The competition evaluates how collaboration leads to joint activities and sustainable initiatives.
   
   Economic development is an essential foundation for jobs and, consequently, for sustainable villages.
   
   The competition evaluates initiatives by local businesses—such as manufacturing, the service sector, agriculture, forestry, and horticulture—as well as local cultural and educational institutions.
   
   Improvements to infrastructure support entrepreneurial initiatives and rural tourism. This includes local supply chains, multifunctional buildings, basic local services, broadband expansion, sustainable mobility options, and renewable energy supply. 
2. Our village has a future because we are socially engaged and foster cultural activities in the village:
   
   Another key focus is on social, cultural, and athletic activities: club life, social, church, and community projects, community initiatives, intercultural and intergenerational activities, as well as initiatives that support the cohesion of the village community.
   
   In particular, activities that shape social engagement in the village—such as volunteering on village projects, active neighborly assistance, or a diverse club life—foster local cohesion.
   
   Village communities that engage with the history of their village and its traditions and advance the village through a sense of community are viewed positively. It is beneficial when young and old, newcomers, and long-time residents are involved in decisions about the village’s future and in concrete measures.
   
   Cross-village cooperation and regional networking—for example, in care, cultural, and educational services or among clubs—contribute to people’s enjoyment of rural life.
   
   Open communication is a key factor for success, as is active participation in regional networks and municipal alliances. 
3. Our village has a future because we treat our architectural heritage, nature, and the environment with respect and sensitivity:
   
   In the future-oriented development of the village, attention is paid to the design of buildings, land-efficient settlement development, and the integration of the settlement into the landscape. Initiatives are needed to preserve and maintain the built heritage that defines the village’s character and to ensure barrier-free access to public areas.
   
   Building styles and materials typical of the region and the village should be taken into account, and traditional and modern elements should be combined in a meaningful way. Projects involving the conversion and repurposing of buildings contribute to sustainable local development. Public green spaces, front yards, and backyards should be designed to be attractive, biodiverse, and sensitive to their surroundings.
   
   Instead of designating new development areas, vacant properties should be addressed and vacant lots utilized. Urban development should be planned on the basis of jointly developed design guidelines and in coordination with neighboring communities. Efforts to adapt to climate change are also
   
   sought. Particular importance should be placed on the restoration of watercourses, sustainable land management, and the protection of species and habitats. The next generation should also be involved in these future-oriented issues and related activities. 

The regional round of the Hessian Village Competition is held every three years, alternating with the state and national competitions. Villages with up to 3,000 residents are eligible to participate. Groups of neighboring villages may also enter as a single entry.

Regional Competition Registration Deadline: March 1, 2027 Competition Date
: Summer 2027 Awards
Ceremony: November 2027

As a first step, the villages should informally register with the Fulda District by email.

The second step is to complete an online questionnaire, which the jury will use as a basis and source of information for the site visit. We will notify the villages of the deadline for this in a timely manner.

1st Prize: 5,000 euros; 2nd
Prize: 4,000 euros; 3rd
Prize: 3,000 euros; 4th
Prize: 2,000 euros; 5th
Prize: 1,000 euros

The jury will also award four special prizes of 1,000 euros each for outstanding individual projects.

The two winning villages from the regional competition will represent the district in the Hessian state competition the following year.

Please get in touch with us. We’d be happy to present the competition to your local committees, come by for a consultation, join you on village tours, or participate in village discussions on-site.