Following the launch of the DPC Research & Development (R&D) Fund in December, the Call for Proposals for the inaugural 2025–2026 round is now well underway and will close on Monday 16 February 2026 at 23:59 (anywhere in the world).
The DPC R&D Fund offers targeted grant support for small, 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 Fund represents a significant new investment in member-led research and innovation.
For this first funding round, a total of £30,000 is available, provisionally offered as three grants of up to £10,000 each. Funded projects are expected to deliver openly accessible outputs that contribute value to the wider digital preservation community.
The R&D Fund advances key objectives in the DPC’s Strategic Plan by enabling practical research and supporting the continued development of digital preservation practice across the sector. Joint proposals with Associate Members or non-members are welcome, provided a DPC Full Member is the lead applicant.
With the deadline approaching, eligible members are encouraged to review the Call for Proposals and submit their applications in good time.
Key dates
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Application deadline: Monday 16 February 2026, 23:59 (anywhere in the world)
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Applicants will be notified of the outcome within 4–6 weeks
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Projects are expected to begin in March 2026 and conclude by 31 July 2026
How to apply
Eligible Full Members 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.
Full details, including guiding principles, eligibility requirements, assessment criteria, and the provisional timeline, are available on the DPC website:
https://www.dpconline.org/digipres/discover-good-practice/research-and-development-fund
Contact
For questions about the Fund or the application process, please contact Garth Stewart, Head of Good Practice, at garth.stewart@dpconline.org.