Bob Anybody could set up a contest, with or without a prize. Just decide on a topic, find a judge, find a prize if you want to offer one and you have a contest.
Judging is difficult and you will never please everyone. After all it's just one person's opinion or maybe a few people if you have more than one judge.
Prizes are nice but you don't really need one. Everyone likes to have their piece be noted as a winner. Lets face it we all have at least a little ego and this really helps it out.
Anybody volunteering. I'm going on several trips so will be somewhat out of touch for the next month so it's out for me at least in the near future.