The “Energy for Kevelaer” fund is once again supporting numerous clubs and organizations in the pilgrimage town this year. A total of 50,000 euros is being provided by the fund’s contributors: NiersEnergie GmbH, Stadtwerke Kevelaer, BW Kevelaer GmbH & Co. KG, and Bürgerenergie Schwarzbruch Nord GmbH & Co. KG. In 2026, a total of 92 projects spanning a wide variety of areas of community life will benefit from this funding. The funding comes from wind energy revenues and flows directly back into the local community of organizations. Projects being supported include those in the areas of sports, culture, traditions, youth and educational work, as well as environmental protection and nature conservation. The projects range from purchasing instruments for a new wind instrument class to equipping a makerspace at Kevelaer Comprehensive School, to a thermal drone for the Kevelaer fawn and wildlife rescue program, as well as wildflower meadows to promote biodiversity.
Passion
“Kevelaer thrives on volunteer work. The large number of funded projects shows just how many people are committed to our city with their ideas, time, and passion,” says Mayor Dr. Dominik Pichler. “The fund helps support this commitment and turn good ideas into reality. Ultimately, this benefits many residents of our city.” Since its launch in 2018, the fund has provided a total of 425,000 euros to clubs and organizations in Kevelaer. A joint committee of the fund’s donors decides on the allocation of the grants.
“Behind every application are people who take on responsibility and create opportunities for others. This is exactly the kind of commitment we want to support,” explains Wolfgang Toonen, operations manager at Stadtwerke Kevelaer. “The fund highlights that the energy transition not only contributes to climate protection but also tangibly strengthens local community life.” The funded initiatives once again demonstrate the diversity of volunteer work in Kevelaer. Support is provided, for example, for projects for children and youth, investments in clubhouses and sports facilities, cultural programs, sustainable initiatives, and numerous purchases that make club activities easier in the long term.
Support
“Once again this year, the ‘Evening for the Clubs’ highlighted just how many organizations in Kevelaer are supported by funds from wind energy. We are particularly pleased that, in addition to many long-standing applicants, several clubs are benefiting from the funding for the first time,” says Heinz-Adolf Magoley, representative of the wind farm operators. In addition to the presentation of the funding commitments, the ceremony at the Forum Pax Christi focused on the diverse projects and initiatives of Kevelaer’s club community. The “Energy for Kevelaer” fund thus combines financial support with visible appreciation for volunteer work in Kevelaer.
