South Africa’s community newspapers, radio stations and digital news platforms have a fresh shot at financial support. The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has opened its 2026/27 Annual Call for Grant Funding Applications, inviting eligible community media organisations across the country to apply.
The funding call forms part of the agency’s ongoing work to transform South Africa’s media landscape and strengthen the community media sector, SAnews reports. Applications opened on 3 July 2026 and close on 31 July 2026.
Indigenous languages first
In line with its mandate, the MDDA says priority will be given to publications in indigenous languages that serve rural and historically marginalised communities – a move that promotes equitable access to information and genuine media diversity.
“As part of the MDDA mandate, priority will be given to publications in indigenous languages that serve rural and historically marginalised communities, further promoting equitable access to information and media diversity,” the agency said.
The grants are aimed at supporting a diverse, inclusive and sustainable community media environment – the local titles and stations that tell the stories big newsrooms often miss, in the languages their audiences actually speak.
How to apply
The MDDA has published budget and business plan templates on its website to help applicants prepare strong submissions. Key requirements include:
- A certified copy of the organisation’s registration documents;
- A valid tax clearance certificate or tax PIN;
- Audited or reviewed financial statements for existing organisations;
- An affidavit confirming independence from commercial media groups, political parties and government;
- A completed budget and a business plan with three-year financial projections, using the MDDA templates;
- A sample of the media product (or a URL for digital publications) plus web analytics covering six months to a year;
- CVs of key personnel (up to four) and a B-BBEE certificate.
Applicants are urged to review the guidelines carefully and submit all supporting documents before the closing date. Anyone experiencing challenges on the website can email margaret@mdda.org.za for assistance, and full details are available at the MDDA funding page.
Why it matters
Community media is where South Africans hear their own names, their own streets and their own languages on air and in print. Every grant that keeps a community paper printing or a local station broadcasting is an investment in informed, connected communities – and this month, the door is open.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
Leave a Reply