Introduction The Digital Freedom Fund (DFF) supports strategic litigation and initiatives that strengthen digital rights across Europe and its neighbouring regions. Through biannual open calls for grant applications, DFF funds work that challenges digital rights violations, promotes accountability, and advances social justice within the digital sphere. The following provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, important dates, and expectations for prospective applicants during the 2025–2026 grant cycle. Overview of the Grantmaking Cycle The current open call for grant applications runs from 1 December 2025 to 17 February 2026. DFF encourages organisations and individuals engaged in digital rights work to prepare their proposals early and to make use of available resources, including DFF’s application guides, case studies, and Ask Us Anything sessions. Important Dates for the 2025–2026 Call Applicants must adhere to the following timeline: 1 December 2025: Call for applications opens 15 December 2025 – 9 January 2026: Grants team unavailable; eligibility checks may be submitted but responses will be delayed 17 February 2026: Eligibility request deadline and close of the call 25 February 2026: Deadline for full applications (for those with approved eligibility) March – May 2026: Application review period June 2026: Final funding decisions announced The overall review timeline is approximately three months from the close of the call until the DFF Board finalises its decisions. While DFF aims to maintain this timeframe, delays may occur depending on the volume and completeness of applications. Ask Us Anything Sessions To support prospective applicants, DFF hosts live Q&A sessions where applicants can seek clarification about eligibility, application requirements, and funding priorities. Upcoming sessions for this cycle include: 8 December 2025 at 11:00 CET 14 January 2026 at 10:00 CET 4 February 2026 at 11:00 CET Applicants can register by contacting the DFF grants team via the email link provided on the organisation’s website. Participatory Decision-Making In 2025, DFF introduced a new participatory grantmaking model. Instead of DFF staff making funding decisions, a Community Peer Group comprising digital rights practitioners, activists, and experts reviews applications and determines which proposals move forward. This approach aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and community involvement in the selection process. Application Process The DFF grant application process consists of four key stages: Step 1: Eligibility Check Applicants must first complete and submit an eligibility form. This step ensures that the project aligns with DFF’s funding priorities, including strategic litigation and interventions that address systemic digital rights concerns. Eligibility checks submitted during the December holiday period will be processed once the grants team resumes operations in January. Step 2: Full Application Applicants who pass the eligibility stage are invited to submit a complete application. This includes: A detailed project proposal Budget and financial justifications Organisational background information Supporting documents where relevant Full applications must be submitted by 25 February 2026 for those approved at the eligibility stage. Step 3: Evaluation by Panel of Experts or Community Peer Group Depending on the nature of the proposal, submissions undergo rigorous evaluation by either DFF’s Panel of Experts or the Community Peer Group. Reviewers assess the potential impact, feasibility, strategic relevance, and alignment with digital rights objectives. Decision-making is rooted in DFF’s commitment to participatory, community-led funding principles. Step 4: Decision by the DFF Board After peer evaluation, final recommendations go to the DFF Board for approval. Approved applicants receive detailed communication outlining next steps, funding arrangements, and reporting requirements. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.