DEadline: September 14, 2025
The Digital News Transformation Fund 2025 is now open for applications, offering crucial support for the digital transformation and sustainability of small, medium, and community-based independent news publishers in South Africa. This initiative aims to strengthen the local media landscape by enabling publishers to adopt innovative digital tools, grow their audiences, and explore sustainable revenue models.
This R114 million fund is a collaborative effort between Google, the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), and is administered by Tshikululu Social Investments. It represents a unique opportunity for independent media organisations to thrive in an increasingly digital-first world.
📅 Application Deadline
All applications for the Digital News Transformation Fund 2025 must be submitted by:
September 14, 2025
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for preparing their submissions.
💰 Funding Tiers
The fund provides support across three main categories, designed to meet the varying needs of independent publishers:
- Build
- Funding: Up to R380,000 per year
- Purpose: Strengthen foundational digital capacity, including websites, content management systems, cameras, and audio-visual equipment.
- Grow
- Funding: Up to R950,000 per year
- Purpose: Expand digital reach and increase audience engagement through improved digital tools and strategies.
- Engage
- Funding: Up to R1,900,000 per year
- Purpose: Support advanced innovation, revenue diversification, and sustainable business models.
Multi-year funding of up to 3 years is available, subject to performance and annual review.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
The Digital News Transformation Fund 2025 targets a wide range of independent news publishers, including:
- Early-stage publishers needing foundational digital tools.
- Organisations aiming to expand digital presence and audience engagement.
- Publishers seeking to innovate and diversify revenue streams through digital initiatives.
The fund is particularly focused on supporting publishers that provide local, community, and public-interest journalism, often underserved by larger media outlets.
How to Apply
Eligible organisations can apply directly through the portal:
For more information about the programme, including funding tiers, eligibility, and detailed guidelines:
📌 Key Takeaways
The Digital News Transformation Fund 2025 is a game-changer for independent media in South Africa. By providing financial support, technical resources, and capacity-building opportunities, it empowers publishers to:
- Build and enhance digital infrastructure.
- Grow their audience and reach.
- Innovate and diversify revenue streams.
For publishers committed to strengthening independent journalism, this fund represents a significant opportunity to scale sustainably.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
