Digital Freedom Fund Call for Grant Applications 2025–2026: Funding Open for Strategic Digital Rights Litigation in Europe

The Digital Freedom Fund (DFF) has opened its Call for Grant Applications 2025–2026, inviting organisations across Europe to apply for funding that supports strategic litigation in the field of digital rights. Over the past eight years, DFF has developed into a central supporter of litigation initiatives that defend privacy, promote digital democracy, regulate AI systems, combat discrimination, and uphold human rights in digital environments.

This new call continues that mission, offering financial and technical support to organisations working on cases and activities that strengthen digital freedoms across the region.

Full application guidelines and resources are available on the DFF website:
https://digitalfreedomfund.org

Overview of the 2025–2026 Call

The application window runs from 1 December 2025 to 17 February 2026. DFF accepts proposals that use or prepare for strategic litigation to advance digital rights. Funding may support a wide range of activities, including:

Litigation and legal action
Pre-litigation research
Community engagement or mobilisation related to a strategic case
Legal analysis and evidence development
Outreach and advocacy connected to litigation
Coalition building in support of digital rights cases

A key feature of the programme is its participatory decision-making model. Instead of decisions being made solely by DFF, applications are reviewed by a community peer group—ensuring that the people most engaged in digital rights work have a voice in determining which projects are funded.

Detailed instructions are available at:
https://digitalfreedomfund.org/funding

Important Dates and Full Timeline

Applicants should take note of the complete timeline for the 2025–2026 funding round:

1 December 2025 – Call opens
15 December 2025 – 9 January 2026 – Grants team unavailable (eligibility checks can be submitted but will not be reviewed until after 9 January)
17 February 2026 – Call closes (last day to submit eligibility forms)
25 February 2026 – Deadline to submit full applications for approved eligibility cases
March – May 2026 – Application review period
June 2026 – Final funding decisions released

The review period typically lasts around three months. While this is the expected timeline, DFF notes that it is not a contractual guarantee.

Application Process: Four Required Steps

The Digital Freedom Fund Call for Grant Applications 2025–2026 follows a clear, four-stage process:

Step 1: Eligibility Check

Applicants complete a short form confirming that their organisation and project meet DFF’s criteria. Only those approved at this stage may continue.

Step 2: Full Application

Eligible applicants submit a full proposal, outlining:

The strategic litigation approach
Legal and factual background
Anticipated human rights impact
Community engagement
Work plan and timeline
Budget and supporting documentation

Step 3: Peer or Expert Review

A panel composed of digital rights practitioners and community members evaluates each proposal. They assess strategic value, legal soundness, relevance to digital rights, and potential impact.

Step 4: DFF Board Decision

The DFF Board makes final decisions based on the peer recommendations.

More information on each step is available at:
https://digitalfreedomfund.org/how-to-apply

Ask Us Anything (AUA) Sessions

To assist applicants, DFF will host three live Q&A sessions:

8 December 2025 at 11:00 CET
14 January 2026 at 10:00 CET
4 February 2026 at 11:00 CET

Registration is available by emailing:
grants@digitalfreedomfund.org

These sessions are useful for clarifying eligibility, refining proposals, and understanding the participatory review system.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations can begin their application via DFF’s official portal:

Apply Here:
https://digitalfreedomfund.org/apply

Application Deadline:

17 February 2026

Applicants may also consult the FAQ section or contact the grants team directly for guidance throughout the process.

Conclusion

The Digital Freedom Fund Call for Grant Applications 2025–2026 offers an essential opportunity for organisations committed to defending digital rights across Europe. Through its focus on strategic litigation, transparent processes, and community-driven decision making, DFF continues to strengthen the fight against digital injustice and advance fundamental rights in an increasingly technology-shaped world.

Organisations engaged in privacy protection, AI accountability, freedom of expression, digital inclusion, and broader human rights work are strongly encouraged to apply.