Málaga City Council has opened nominations for the 22nd Málaga Voluntaria awards, which recognise people, groups and businesses involved in organised voluntary work in the city. Applications are due by 30 October and must be sent by email.
Candidates should email comunicacionyeventos@malaga.eu with the subject line “Premios Málaga Voluntaria 2026”. Each submission must include a completed summary of the activity, no longer than two pages, and two photographs showing the work or programme being nominated.
Individuals and groups can be nominated for voluntary work carried out in Málaga during 2026. Each applicant may submit just one project, in one category. Non-profit associations must be registered with the city’s Municipal Register of Associations and Organisations. Businesses must have a headquarters, branch or premises open to the public in Málaga.
The six categories cover health support and companionship for vulnerable people; circular economy, sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and efforts to reduce the digital divide through training and technical assistance for people with limited digital skills.
The remaining categories recognise contributions to international development cooperation, socially focused initiatives by businesses that improve conditions for vulnerable communities in Málaga, and an individual volunteer of the year.
The council says the health category is intended to recognise work that improves the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations. Sustainability entries can address issues including climate change, plastic pollution and the depletion of natural resources. The digital inclusion category focuses on building digital skills among people with low levels of digital competence.
The awards will take the form of a reproduction of “Encuentro”, a sculpture by Carlos Albert Andrés. The original won a city council sculpture competition for the awards in 2005.
The presentation ceremony is scheduled for 30 November at 6pm at Teatro Soho Caixabank (Teatro Sohrlin), according to the council announcement. It will take place ahead of International Volunteer Day, observed on 5 December.