Checked 27 October 2026. Open documentation grant call.
The Endangered Material Knowledge Programme is accepting 2026–27 documentation proposals for knowledge about making, using and caring for the material world that is at risk of being lost.
Opportunity at a glance
| Funder | Endangered Material Knowledge Programme |
| Geography | International |
| Funding | Small: up to £20,000; large: up to £100,000 |
| Timing | 1 December 2026, 12:00 GMT |
Who should consider this opportunity?
Applicants may come from any nationality or academic background, but must have a host institution able to provide financial administration and ethical oversight.
Application route and important conditions
Small grants support up to one year of work; large grants support up to two years. Documentation is deposited in the British Museum’s open-access repository. Apply through the programme’s linked application system and use current-round materials.
Read the official programme page and application instructions.
Africads preparation guidance
The following is practical editorial guidance, not additional donor eligibility criteria.
Explain the knowledge and the specific reason it is endangered. Identify the practitioners, the context in which the knowledge is used and the changes affecting its transmission. A general statement that a tradition is disappearing does not explain what must be documented now or why the proposed team is well placed to do so.
Design the project with knowledge holders. Discuss recording, attribution, translation, access and the ways the resulting materials will be useful locally. Open access creates responsibilities: confirm what can be shared and how sensitive or restricted knowledge will be handled before promising a complete public record.
Plan the documentation workflow in detail. Recording is only one stage; transcription, translation, metadata, file management and quality checks also require time and skills. Test equipment and storage arrangements early. A host institution should understand its responsibilities before the application is submitted, including financial oversight and the ethical processes needed throughout the project.
Five frequently asked questions
Can an unaffiliated individual receive the grant directly?
A host institution is required even though applicants can have varied backgrounds and nationalities.
Does meeting the criteria guarantee support?
No. Eligibility is an initial screen; the funder still assesses fit, quality and available resources.
What should our team prepare first?
Confirm the applicant route, identify a responsible lead and assemble evidence for the proposed work before polishing the narrative.
Should we use a generic proposal template?
Use the donor’s current form and instructions. An internal template can organise your thinking, but it should not replace required questions or formats.
Where do we submit or request further guidance?
Start from the official programme page linked below. Africads publishes opportunity information and does not receive applications on the donor’s behalf.
Conclusion
Use the eligibility and application route above to decide whether Endangered Material Knowledge Programme belongs in your funding pipeline. Assign a named owner to the next step and resolve any missing requirements before committing substantial proposal time.
For an initial fit, evidence or budget check, explore the free Africads Grant Funding Toolkit. These resources support preparation; the donor’s current instructions and decision remain authoritative.
Sources
Programme information from Endangered Material Knowledge Programme. Information checked on 27 October 2026; review updates before applying.
