Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has launched its 2025/26 Call for Grant Applications to support eligible community broadcast, community print, and small commercial print media organisations across South Africa. Applications are open from 3 July to 31 July 2026, and eligible organizations must submit their applications through the official MDDA application email portal along with all required supporting documents.
What is the MDDA Broadcast Funding Programme?
The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Broadcast Funding Programme is a grant initiative designed to strengthen South Africa’s community media sector by providing financial support to eligible media organizations.
The programme supports community broadcasters and publications that promote media diversity, improve access to information, and serve local communities through independent and sustainable media platforms.
Funding is intended to help eligible organizations strengthen their operations, improve service delivery, and contribute to a more inclusive media landscape.
Why This Funding Matters
Community media plays an essential role in providing local news, educational content, cultural programming, and public information, particularly in underserved communities.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen community media organizations
- Promote media diversity across South Africa
- Improve access to reliable local information
- Support independent community broadcasters
- Enhance the sustainability of community publications
- Encourage local content production
- Increase community participation in media
By supporting community media, the programme contributes to informed communities and a more diverse national media environment.
Funding Categories
The 2025/26 funding call is open to the following categories:
- Community Broadcast Television (TV)
- Community Broadcast Radio
- Community Print Publications
- Small Commercial Print Publications
Applicants must belong to one of these eligible categories to apply.
Application Period
Applications are accepted during the following period:
- Opening Date: 3 July 2026
- Closing Date: 31 July 2026
The application window remains open for four weeks.
Late applications will not be considered.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include community media organizations operating in South Africa.
Organizations may apply if they are:
- Community Broadcast Television stations
- Community Radio stations
- Community Print Publications
- Small Commercial Print Publications
Community broadcast applicants must hold a valid Class Broadcast Service Licence.
Applicants should ensure they meet all programme requirements before submitting their application.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package containing all required supporting documents.
The required documents include:
- Completed MDDA Application Form
- Certified organizational registration documents
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Pin
- Audited or reviewed financial statements for the previous financial year (where applicable)
- Affidavit confirming that the organization is not owned, controlled by, or affiliated with any commercial media entity, political party, or government
- Business plan with three-year financial projections using the prescribed template
- Completed budget template
- Copy of the Class Community Broadcast Licence
- Programming schedule
- CVs of up to four key personnel
Incomplete applications may not be considered for funding.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify that your organization:
- Falls within an eligible funding category
- Holds the required broadcast licence (if applicable)
- Meets all programme requirements
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare all required documentation before beginning the application process.
Ensure every document is complete, current, and certified where required.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the official MDDA Application Form accurately.
Provide complete organizational information and ensure consistency across all supporting documents.
Step 4: Prepare the Business Plan and Budget
Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes:
- Organizational objectives
- Operational strategy
- Activities
- Three-year financial projections
Complete the prescribed budget template with realistic financial estimates.
Step 5: Review the Application
Before submission:
- Check that all required documents are included
- Verify that certifications are valid
- Ensure financial information is accurate
- Confirm that all forms are signed where required
Step 6: Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted only through the official MDDA application email portal during the application period.
Applications submitted outside the official portal or after the deadline will not be accepted.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their submissions by:
- Providing complete and accurate documentation
- Preparing a realistic business plan
- Including clear financial projections
- Demonstrating organizational sustainability
- Showing strong governance and management capacity
- Reviewing all application requirements before submission
- Submitting well before the closing date
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following errors:
- Missing the application deadline
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Forgetting certified registration documents
- Omitting audited or reviewed financial statements where required
- Providing incomplete financial projections
- Using outdated application templates
- Submitting applications through unofficial channels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the MDDA Broadcast Funding Programme?
It is a grant programme that supports eligible community broadcast, community print, and small commercial print media organizations in South Africa.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include Community TV stations, Community Radio stations, Community Print Publications, and Small Commercial Print Publications that meet the programme requirements.
When does the application period open and close?
Applications are open from 3 July 2026 to 31 July 2026.
Is a broadcast licence required?
Yes. Community broadcast applicants must hold a valid Class Broadcast Service Licence.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit the completed application form, certified registration documents, tax clearance certificate or tax pin, financial statements where applicable, affidavit of independence, business plan, budget template, broadcast licence, programming schedule, and CVs of key personnel.
How should applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted through the official MDDA application email portal during the application period.
What happens if required documents are missing?
Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered for funding.
Conclusion
The MDDA Broadcast Funding Programme 2025/26 provides an important opportunity for community broadcasters, community print publications, and small commercial print media organizations to strengthen their operations and expand access to independent, community-focused media services.
Eligible organizations should carefully prepare all required documentation, develop a strong business plan and budget, and submit complete applications through the official MDDA application email portal before the 31 July 2026 deadline to maximize their chances of securing funding.
For more information, visit MDDA.
