taz Panther Prize
taz Panter Foundation Award: €5,000 each for civil society and media engagement. Motto 2026: "Independent, critical, resilient: Media from below." Call for applications in March 2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Since 2005, the taz Panter Prize has honored individuals and collectives who, with great personal commitment, advocate for others, expose grievances, and work to protect the environment. The goal is to support civil society, democratic and cultural initiatives, as well as independent media projects through public recognition and prize money.
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Non-profit Organizations
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Commitment to democracy, human rights, solidarity, culture, or climate protection
- Focus on independent media projects (motto 2026)
- Application or nomination by third parties
Evaluation criteria
- Personal commitment to others
- Innovative quality and resilience of the engagement
- Relevance for social cohesion
Description
Since 2005, the taz Panter Prize has honored outstanding civil society and media engagement throughout Germany. Under the motto “Independent, critical, resilient: Media from below”, independent media projects as well as individuals and collectives will each be awarded €5,000 in March 2026. Eligible for funding are private individuals, non-profit organizations, interest groups, and associations that selflessly advocate for democracy, human rights, solidarity, culture, or climate protection. Applications or nominations must be submitted by third parties; the selection is based on criteria such as personal commitment, level of innovation, and relevance to social cohesion.
The laureates are determined in two stages: a jury composed of taz editors, former award winners, and prominent personalities nominates deserving projects and actors, after which readers vote on the awards in June 2026. The formal award ceremony will take place in autumn 2026 and provides an inspiring setting for the exchange among committed initiatives. The aim of the prize is to create long-term opportunities for independent media projects and democratic initiatives through public recognition and prize money, thereby strengthening the resilience of a diverse civil society.
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