• Hoffnungshaus® was recognised by a non-partisan jury of administrative practitioners as one of 29 outstanding municipal innovations in the following categories: Successful Integration & Social Participation and Sustainable Construction.
  • The “Bewährt vor Ort” seal is awarded jointly by the German Association of Towns and Municipalities and Re:Form, an alliance of administrative pioneers.
  • The aim is to highlight solutions from municipal practice that have already been successfully tested and to promote their wider adoption.

Leonberg, 3rd June 2025 – Local authorities face diverse and complex challenges. At the same time, innovative solutions are emerging across Germany that successfully tackle these challenges. What has already been successfully tested in one place could have an impact in many other places. To highlight these proven solutions and promote their wider adoption, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB) and Re:Form – the alliance of administrative pioneers created by ProjectTogether – have awarded the ‘Bewährt vor Ort’ seal for the second time. The award recognises local authority projects that have been proven to work in practice and have the potential to serve as a model nationwide.

Hoffnungshaus® is one of the 29 projects honoured this year. An independent jury of administrative practitioners assessed the project as particularly effective and transferable.

The Hoffnungsträger Foundation, founded in 2013 by Tobias Merckle, has set itself the task of offering people hope and prospects. With the innovative concept of the Hoffnungshäuser, the foundation is setting an example for successful integration and social cohesion. People in numerous locations are now benefiting from this inclusive housing concept. The Hoffnungsträger Foundation demonstrates how affordable housing can be created sustainably and how vibrant communities can overcome cultural barriers.

Angelika Röhm, Managing Director of Hoffnungshaus®, said of the award: “We are delighted that the ‘Bewährt vor Ort’ seal is raising further awareness of our work, enabling us to shape society in a sustainable and hopeful way.”

Background
The ‘Bewährt vor Ort’ seal recognises successfully tested changes to administrative practice and its rules, as well as projects implemented jointly by an administrative body and a non-profit organisation. A non-partisan jury of administrative practitioners has honoured pioneering local innovations for the second time in 2025. A total of 29 projects were recognised across four categories:

  • Successful integration and social participation:
    Innovative approaches to the integration of refugees and migrants – 8 award-winning solutions
  • Climate and resource protection, and adaptation to climate change:
    Local solutions that provide effective responses to climate change and involve citizens – 7 award-winning solutions
  • Sustainable construction:
    Projects to promote resource-efficient construction methods, sustainable technologies or streamlined planning processes – 7 award-winning solutions
  • The administration of tomorrow: Digital tools, efficient processes and innovative forms of public participation for a future-proof administration – 7 award-winning solutions

Reactions to the second ‘Bewährt vor Ort’ awards ceremony:

Alexander Handschuh from the German Association of Towns and Municipalities says:
“The award at the German Local Government Congress impressively demonstrates how local authorities and society are finding innovative ways to tackle social challenges. They are an inspiring example of the wealth of ideas and determination to improve the quality of life in our towns and communities.”

Robert Peter from ProjectTogether says:
“The ‘Bewährt vor Ort’ solutions show what is possible when people and organisations from different sectors come together and jointly develop solutions to local problems. Civil society and local authorities are capable of great things, and we should make even greater use of this potential and share smart ideas.”

Image for free use, copyright notice: Hoffnungsträger Foundation.

  

About Hoffnungsträger

The Hoffnungsträger Foundation was founded in 2013 by Tobias Merckle and has set itself the goal of turning many people into bearers of hope. Since its foundation, under the leadership of Marcus Witzke, the Foundation has developed inclusive housing projects such as the Hoffnungshaus® as well as international programmes for the rehabilitation of offenders and their children. The group now comprises Hoffnungsträger Projektentwickler GmbH, Hoffnungsträger Global Impact and Rosskopf + Partner (since 2021). Furthermore, the subsidiary Sinngeber, operating under the umbrella of the Hoffnungsträger Group at , facilitates values-based philanthropy for high-net-worth individuals who wish to support social transformation through their commitment.

Through its diverse range of programmes, Hoffnungsträger demonstrates how systemic thinking, empowering people to help themselves, and action aimed at the common good, combined with social innovation, can bring about sustainable change. At the heart of its work lie compassion, active and sustainable integration, and the gift of hope and new prospects – these form the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive society.

For further information, please visit our website:
hoffnungsträger.de 
ht-projektentwickler.de 
sinngeber.eu
rosskopf-partner.de