Application process
We consider grant applications through regular open calls.
The most recent call for grant applications closed in February 2026, with decisions made in June 2026. We expect to run the next call for applications from late-November 2026 until mid-February 2027. See our estimated schedule below.
To help write your next application in advance, check out the application guides here and see examples of the digital rights work we are supporting on our case studies page.
If you have any questions or comments about the application process, sign up for one of our ask us anything calls (all times in CET/Berlin):
- Wed 18 Nov 12pm
- Mon 30 Nov 11am
- Thur 3 Dec 10am
- Wed 13 Jan 11am
- Thur 28 Jan 10am
Write to grants(at)digitalfreedomfund.org to sign up.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Monday 23 November 2026: | Call for applications opens. |
| Monday 8 February 2027: | Application registration closes. Not possible to start an application after this date. |
| Wednesday 17 February 2027: | Deadline for final applications. Only applies for those who registered and had eligibility confirmed by 8 February. |
| 18-28 February 2027: | DFF review of applications and mandate alignment check. |
| March-April 2027: | Community Peer Group review of all eligible applications. |
| May 2027: | Community Peer Group decision meetings and DFF Board approval. |
| June 2027 | Decisions announced. |
The application process consists of the following steps:
Step 1: Registration and eligibility check
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The first step in applying for DFF support is to register and complete an eligibility check. DFF offers two kinds of grant support: litigation track and pre-litigation research. Register and submit your eligibility check on our online grant platform using the link at the bottom of this page.
An eligibility check can be submitted at any time while a call for applications is open, but we recommend submitting your eligibility check as early in the call period as possible so you have more time to work on your application (we recommend at least 1 month if not longer before the deadline). DFF aims to respond to eligibility checks within one week, but usually takes 1-2 working days.
DFF carries out the eligibility check. This is not an assessment of project quality, only of high level mandate criteria, like whether the project focuses on digital rights litigation and fits DFF’s geographic scope.
Please submit your eligibility check in our online grant platform (link at bottom of page) before the given deadline in order to be considered. It will not be possible to start a new application request after the deadline.
Step 2: Full application
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If your request meets our eligibility criteria you will be given access to the full application form. Completed applications must be submitted through the DFF grant platform by the call for applications deadline. Any applications submitted outside of the given timeframe will not be considered.
Make sure you complete Step 1 as early as possible so that you have plenty of time for Step 2.
Step 3: Evaluation and decision by Community Peer Group
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Applications clearly falling outside the scope of DFF’s grantmaking mandate will not go through to the next step. By mandate, we mean that the project must be using strategic litigation in the Council of Europe to advance digital rights.
Applications that meet the grantmaking mandate will then be fully evaluated by a group of community peers, who will collectively decide which applications to be supported.
Applications are reviewed based on DFF’s grants criteria.
DFF writes up a recommendation outlining the decisions of the Peer Group and sends it to the Board Grantmaking Committee for sign-off.
Step 4: Approval by DFF Board
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The DFF Board is responsible for approving all new grants. Due to the large number of applications received in relation to our available funding, many strong applications will not be approved. In 2026, less than 20% of applications were approved. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again in the next call for applications.
Timing
Application and assessment process
The overall duration of the application review process is around three months from the deadline of the call for applications until the final decision by the DFF Board. For example, if the application deadline is 1 March, you can expect a final decision in June. This estimate assumes all application materials are complete and there are no complicating factors. While DFF strives to adhere to this timing, it does not reflect any formal obligation of DFF towards applicants.
Contact
For questions concerning the application process, please see our FAQ page or contact the grants team by clicking the envelope below.