Transparency is the bedrock of a thriving society. That’s why we are proud to back the new Pamatai Journalism Prize — a structure built to recognize and sustain work that uncovers important stories and strengthens transparency.

The idea, initiated by Thomas Plantenga and backed by many organizations and companies, ensures investigative journalism is funded consistently over time, building a system designed to last.

We’re excited about our partnership with the newly established Lietuvos Tiriamosios Žurnalistikos Labdaros ir Paramos Fondas to support the future of independent reporting in Lithuania. Tesonet Foundation is backing immediate impact with a €100K contribution to the award fund and commitment to the Pamatai Journalism Prize. This June 2026, the first €200K award will recognize the most impactful reporting from last year. 

A sustainable vision for truth

The seed for this initiative was planted last summer by Thomas Plantenga, CEO at Vinted. His vision was simple yet systemic: create an endowment foundation that doesn’t rely on fluctuating annual donations. Instead, the foundation builds a permanent capital base — already at €3M with a goal of €6M — to ensure investigative journalism is funded consistently for decades to come.

While the endowment grows, the impact starts now. Managed by Swedbank, audited by PwC, and administered by the Open Lithuania Foundation, this structure is built to last.

The Pamatai Journalism Prize: building the foundation

The award has officially been named the Pamatai Journalism Prize. The name reflects the “foundational” role investigative work plays in our democracy. To ensure the highest global standards, winners will be chosen by a 9-person world-class selection committee, including Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Bastian Obermayer, renowned historian and author Rutger Bregman, and Eastern European affairs expert Edward Lucas.

The evaluation of investigative reports will consider their alignment with the prize’s objective, professional and methodological quality, and their significance to the public interest and impact on society.

Entries for the Pamatai Journalism Prize are now open

The Pamatai Journalism Prize is now open for submissions, inviting investigative works published in 2025 that tackle significant issues of public interest and democratic accountability in Lithuania.

Journalists can submit their own work, or pieces can be nominated by others to ensure that high-value reporting is recognized, even if it didn’t initially capture the national spotlight. The prize is open to all media formats—print, online, radio, and television.

Applications are accepted until May 6, with the winner set to be announced on June 8.