Deadline: 19 December 2025
The National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism invites individuals and groups from civil society to submit an entry for the Simon Wiesenthal Prize 2025.
Participants may apply on their own behalf or nominate others, enabling a broad pool of potential entrants. The prize is explicitly aimed at civil society actors engaged in combating antisemitism or promoting education about the Holocaust, providing recognition for socially relevant, values-driven work.
A wide range of participants is eligible to enter. The prize recognises individuals or groups who have made an outstanding contribution through civic engagement to combat antisemitism or promote Holocaust education. Eligible entrants include private persons, researchers, grassroots initiatives, and civil society organisations such as clubs, associations, foundations, and non-profit companies. Interest groups and regional affiliations, including local clubs and associations, are also eligible. Human rights organisations, NGOs, welfare institutions, cultural organisations, educational and training institutions, youth organisations, family associations, students and student groups, apprentices and apprentice groups, as well as youth and schoolchildren groups can all participate, making this prize broadly inclusive of many forms of civic engagement.
The opportunity is not limited to a single country; both Austrian and international individuals or organisations can apply, creating space for global initiatives and diverse grassroots efforts. The entry process is accessible via an online application, with clear instructions on submission and criteria, making it practical for interested parties to put their work forward.
What makes this opportunity especially attractive is the financial endowment: an annual total of €30,000, divided across categories. Two category prizes of €7,500 each—in civic engagement to combat antisemitism and in Holocaust education—and a main prize of €15,000 for outstanding work combine to provide significant support and recognition. The sizeable reward not only acknowledges achievement but also helps bolster the visibility and sustainability of the recipient’s future endeavours.
Importantly, the selection criteria emphasise active, innovative, and lasting contributions—not just involvement but impact. Projects or initiatives that raise awareness, foster understanding, combat antisemitism today, and develop a culture of remembrance are all in scope. This focus on forward-looking, durable change makes the prize an excellent platform for initiatives that aim to effect societal transformation rather than short-term interventions.
In sum, for those engaged in civic initiatives against antisemitism or for Holocaust education, this prize offers both a chance for recognition and practical support. It encourages ambitious, creative contributions and provides a meaningful international stage, whether for individuals, grassroots groups, NGOs, or educational institutions.
For more information, visit National Fund of the Republic of Austria.
