The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) has officially opened its first funding window, calling on South Africa’s independent and community publishers to take bold steps towards digital transformation.
The Fund offers three targeted funding streams:
- Build – Early-stage news publishers in need of foundational digital tools (such as websites, content management systems, cameras, audio-visual equipment) and guidance to formalise operations, up to R380,000 per year.
- Grow – Mid-stage news publishers with an established online presence who require strategic and technical support to grow audiences, launch new products, or diversify revenue, up to R950,000 per year.
- Engage – Established publishers with fewer than one million monthly unique website users who are ready to experiment with sector-wide innovations or new business models that can be replicated, up to R1.9 million per year.
Projects will be assessed by an independent Adjudication Committee using published criteria. Proposals will be scored on their relevance to digital transformation, innovation and use of technology, feasibility and readiness, organisational capacity and governance, public-interest impact including equity and inclusion, and long-term sustainability potential.
“Independent publishers are often the most resource-constrained, but also, often, the most creative and trusted news and information outlets because of their focus on community interests,” said Makhosazana ‘Khosi’ Zwane-Siguqa, member of the Adjudication Committee. “Our task is to ensure a transparent and credible process that rewards sustainable ideas, upholds ethical journalism while encouraging innovation and thus strengthening the future of public-interest journalism.”
What applicants need to apply
Applicants must be legally registered South African entities, subscriber members of the Press Council, and tax compliant. Required documents include:
- Founding documents (e.g. trust deed, constitution, or memorandum of incorporation)
- Proof of Press Council membership
- Governance documents (CIPC certificates, Letters of Authority, or list of directors/board members)
- B-BBEE affidavit
- SARS tax compliance PIN
- Recent financial statements, or for early-stage publishers, management accounts plus six months of bank statements
Two-phase application process
- Phase 1 (short form): Project summary, high-level budget, funding tier and project dates. No organisation-level documents required. Closes: 14 September 2025.
- Phase 2 (for shortlisted applicants): Detailed application, ≤10-page project plan (template), line-item budget + budget narrative (template), and full organisational/financial/compliance documents (e.g., registration and governance papers, KYC for governing members, Press Council proof, SARS TCS PIN, B-BBEE, proof of address). Opens: 15 September 2025 | Closes: 28 September 2025.
Collective and industry-level projects
- Collective projects: Eligible publishers may apply as a cohort (typically 3–10 outlets) with a shared plan – e.g., a joint CMS or centralised ad-sales – so the grant funds common infrastructure benefiting all participating publishers.
- Industry-level projects: Support/industry bodies may apply for sector-wide initiatives that create shared infrastructure or services for multiple eligible publishers, provided the funded activities directly benefit those publishers.
“Independent publishers are competing for attention in one of the toughest media landscapes South Africa has ever seen,” said Leanne Kunz, Head of Fund. “This first funding window is about backing projects that protect the voices of integrity our democracy depends on, while helping publishers find the digital pathways that will keep them relevant and resilient.”
Applications can only be submitted via the Fund’s website: dntfund.org.za.
The process is free, and no third party is authorised to charge a fee.
Applications for this first funding window close on 28 September 2025. A helpdesk will be available for any application-related issues: 011 544 0300 or email dntf@tshikululu.org.za.
The R114-million Fund is a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) and administered by Tshikululu Social Investments. It is designed to help South African publishers strengthen digital capacity, diversify revenue streams, and future-proof their operations.
For more information, visit: https://dntfund.org.za/
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