The independent Adjudication Committee is currently assessing Phase 2 applications from the second DNTF funding call. Funding recommendations will be made to the DNTF Oversight and Advisory Board for ratification. The second cohort of grantees is due to be announced in June 2026.
Phase 1 of the second funding call drew 133 applications, including 18 for the new Ignite sub-tier. The Adjudication Committee reviewed all submissions and invited 69 applicants to proceed to Phase 2. Ten applicants did not submit their Phase 2 applications before the deadline. Fifty-nine applications are now under assessment.
Up to 32 grants are available across four funding catergories: Build, Grow, Engage (25 grants combined) and Ignite (7 grants). The Ignite sub-tier is new to this round. It was introduced to support publishers working to establish a foundational digital presence, following insights from the first funding call.
Several changes were made to the application process for this round. Phase 1 submissions moved to Google Forms, making the process more accessible for publishers across the sector. The Phase 1 process was also streamlined to reduce the administrative burden on applicants who did not progress to Phase 2.
For more information about the fund, the tiers, and the application process, please feel free to visit the FAQ section of this website.