The Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP) has opened the 2025/2026 Call for Applications for its Legacy Digitisation Grant. This grant supports the preservation of documentation that captures material knowledge which is currently endangered or was already at risk at the time the original research was carried out. The call is open from 22 October 2025 until 12:00 GMT on 19 January 2026, and prospective applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early to ensure timely review and administrative processing.

The Legacy Digitisation Grant, administered by EMKP and housed at the British Museum, plays an essential role in safeguarding irreplaceable cultural documentation. It enables researchers, communities, and institutions to digitise historical records and collections, ensuring long-term preservation and accessibility for future generations.

Purpose and Scope of the Grant

The grant specifically targets the digitisation of “legacy” material, defined as documentation and research records produced during projects that have already concluded. These materials often remain inaccessible or at risk due to physical degradation, outdated storage formats, or lack of digital infrastructure. Eligible materials include, but are not limited to:

• Fieldnotes and handwritten records
• Photographs, slides, and negatives
• Film reels and video recordings
• Audio recordings
• Sketches, diagrams, and project-related documents
• Objects or artefacts accompanied by historic documentation

The programme emphasises digitisation work that strengthens global understanding of material knowledge systems, particularly those linked to cultural practices, craft technologies, and community-based expertise that may no longer be widely practised.

Award Structure and Funding Parameters

Legacy Digitisation Grants support projects lasting up to one year, with a maximum award of £20,000. Funds may be used for digitisation equipment, specialist services, staff time, training, metadata creation, and other activities directly related to the digitisation and preservation process. Proposals must align with EMKP standards for digital preservation, ethical practice, and data management.

Projects must begin only after all administrative and contractual documents have been finalised between the applicant, the host institution, and EMKP. Required documentation includes:

• Terms and Conditions
• Detailed Budget
• Digital Management Plan
• Ethical Review documentation

These documents form the basis of the Grant Agreement and must be completed before project commencement.

Eligibility and Applicant Categories

The EMKP Legacy Digitisation Grant is open to applicants regardless of nationality, reflecting the programme’s commitment to global inclusivity and the preservation of diverse cultural knowledge systems. Applicants may include:

• Individuals affiliated with recognised host institutions

• Community-based organisations
• Museums, archives, libraries, cultural centres, or other institutions
• The original creators of the legacy documentation

Applicants should carefully consult the EMKP 2025–2026 Legacy Digitisation Grant application form for reference purposes, while noting that future iterations may differ. The official Application Guidelines provide essential information on eligibility, budget requirements, ethical considerations, and submission procedures.

Grant Agreement Requirements

Successful applicants must ensure that the Grant Agreement between EMKP and the host institution is signed within six months of the award notification. While the call references November 2024 in existing documentation, the six-month requirement applies to the timeline that follows notification of successful applications for the 2025/2026 cycle. Given that institutional approval processes can be lengthy, applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with their host institutions early and ensure full familiarity with EMKP’s non-negotiable grant terms.

Failure to secure a signed agreement within the required timeframe may result in withdrawal of funding. Applicants are therefore advised to initiate administrative procedures immediately upon receiving preliminary award notification.