Application process

Application process

We will host ask us anything calls at the following times to provide a space to ask questions or seek clarifications.

  1. Wednesday 4 December 2024 11:00 CET
  2. Wednesday 15 January 2025 12:00 CET
  3. Monday 27 January 2025 11:00 CET

Click the envelope below to write to us and sign up for one of the calls.

To help write your 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.

Note: all pre-litigation research applications will be assessed using a new review process where a group of community peers review applications and make decisions about which applications to support, instead of DFF. All litigation track support applications will follow the standard process with DFF making the final decision. Read the following blog for more information or write to us if you have questions.
 
 
The application process consists of the following steps:
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Step 1: Eligibility check

The first step in applying for DFF support is completing an eligibility check. DFF offers two kinds of grant support: litigation track and pre-litigation research. Access the eligibility check form 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 three working days. However, note that between 11 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 all responses will be delayed due to the holiday period. If you would like early access to the full application form we recommend submitting an eligibility check before 11 December 2024. After 5 January 2025, responses will be normal.

Please submit your eligibility check in our online grant platform (link at bottom of page) by 17 February 2025 23:59 CET at the latest, in order to be considered. It will not be possible to start a new application request after 17 February.

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Step 2: Full application

If your request meets the 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.

For the current call, the deadline for submitting your final application is 28 February 2025. In order to get access to the full application form, you must first complete Step 1 by 17 February 2025 at the latest.

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Step 3: Evaluation by Panel of Experts or Community Peer Group

Applications clearly falling outside the scope of DFF’s grantmaking criteria will not go through to the next step. Litigation Track Support applications that meet the grantmaking criteria will be fully evaluated by DFF with the assistance of our Panel of Experts, after which DFF prepares a recommendation to be approved by the DFF Board.

Pre-litigation Research Support applications that meet the grantmaking criteria will be reviewed by a group of community peers, who will collectively prepare the recommendation, rather than DFF.

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Step 4: Decision by DFF Board

The DFF Board makes the final decision on all applications. Due to the large number of applications received in relation to our available funding, not all applications that meet our criteria can be approved. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again in the next call for applications.

Timing

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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.