The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Research & Development (R&D) Fund, offering targeted grant support for practical projects that help DPC Full Members develop, strengthen, or extend their digital preservation practice.
Supported by the DPC Supporter Fund - part of the wider DPC Supporter Program - the R&D Fund represents a significant new investment in the global digital preservation community. The 2025–2026 cycle marks the first time the DPC is able to offer grant funding of this kind to its members.
The R&D Fund advances key objectives in the DPC’s Strategic Plan by enabling practical research and supporting the ongoing development of digital preservation practice across the sector. For the inaugural 2025–2026 round £30,000 is available, provisionally offered as three grants of up to £10,000 each, for projects that deliver openly accessible outputs of value to the wider community.
Speaking about the launch of the Fund, Garth Stewart, Head of Good Practice at the DPC and the lead for this new initiative, said:
“Digital preservation is a shared endeavour, and DPC Members have always played a central role in shaping good practice across the field. Through this new R&D Fund, we’re delighted to support small, focused projects that address real needs, test new approaches, and contribute practical insights back to the community. We look forward to seeing the creativity, collaboration, and leadership that our members will bring to this first round.”
Call for Proposals now open
The Call for Proposals for the 2025–2026 cycle is now open, and Full Members are invited to apply. Full details, including guiding principles, eligibility requirements, assessment criteria, and the provisional timeline, are available in the Call for Proposals, now published on the DPC website alongside the Application Form.
Key dates
• Application deadline: Monday 16 February 2026, 23:59 (anywhere in the world)
• Applicants will be notified of the outcome within 4–6 weeks
• Projects are expected to begin in March 2026 and conclude by 31 July 2026
How to apply
Eligible Full Members of the Digital Preservation Coalition are invited to download the Application Form and review the Call for Proposals before submitting completed applications to info@dpconline.org. Joint project proposals (i.e. with DPC Associate Members and non-Members) are very welcome provided a Full Member is the lead applicant.
Contact
For questions about the Fund or the application process, please contact Garth Stewart, Head of Good Practice, at garth.stewart@dpconline.org.
About the Digital Preservation Coalition
The DPC is an international charitable foundation which supports digital preservation, helping its members around the world to deliver resilient long-term access to digital content and services through community engagement, targeted advocacy work, training and workforce development, capacity building, good practice and standards, and through good management and governance. Its vision is a secure digital legacy.