Deadline: 19-Jan-2026
The Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP) offers small grants up to £20,000 and large grants up to £100,000 to document material knowledge systems at risk of disappearing. Projects must focus on living practices with a clear material dimension—tools, objects, processes, and the cultural practices connected to them. Applications require a Principal Applicant, Co-Applicants and an institutional host.
Overview
The Endangered Material Knowledge Programme supports the preservation of living material knowledge systems that face the threat of decline. These grants help document practices, tools, objects and cultural processes that are integral to community identity but risk being lost due to social, economic or environmental change.
What the Programme Supports
Eligible projects must document knowledge with a strong material focus, including:
• Objects, tools, materials and techniques
• Craft traditions and making processes
• Material practices linked to performance, dance or music
• Foodways explored through utensils, technologies and material culture
• Ecological knowledge tied directly to cultural and material practices
The programme does not support projects centred solely on intangible heritage or food production without a material component.
Grant Categories
Two funding streams are available:
• Small Grants: Up to £20,000, duration up to 1 year
• Large Grants: Up to £100,000, duration up to 2 years
Both grant types aim to enable ethical, thorough and community-centred documentation of endangered knowledge systems.
Applicant Structure
Applications must follow a multi-applicant structure:
• Principal Applicant (PA) – Leads the project, oversees management and coordination
• Co-Applicants (Co-A) – Provide major intellectual and technical contributions
• Research Assistants – Support tasks (e.g., translation, metadata) but do not manage the project
Restrictions:
• A PI currently leading an EMKP project cannot apply again until their existing project is completed.
• Co-Applicants may join new applications if their reporting is current.
Institutional Host Requirements
At least one applicant must be affiliated with an eligible host institution such as:
• Universities
• Museums
• NGOs
• Archives
The host organisation:
• Manages administrative and financial aspects
• Must not be represented by someone in a leadership or management role in the application
Student Principal Applicants:
• Must submit a supervisor support letter confirming capacity to fulfil project duties
Who Is Eligible?
The programme has no nationality restrictions, making it globally accessible.
Eligible projects must:
• Document knowledge still practiced today
• Demonstrate urgency (risk of loss)
• Show strong material-cultural links
• Commit to ethical collaboration with knowledge holders
How to Apply
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Identify a living, endangered material knowledge system.
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Form a team consisting of a Principal Applicant and qualified Co-Applicants.
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Secure a host institution and gather necessary documentation.
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Prepare a detailed project proposal explaining methods, objectives, ethics and deliverables.
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Choose the appropriate funding category (small or large).
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Submit the application through the EMKP online platform before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Proposing projects focused solely on intangible cultural heritage
• Missing the required material dimension
• Applying while already leading an active EMKP grant
• Failing to secure an eligible host institution
• Submitting incomplete Co-Applicant or supervisor documentation
• Underestimating time or budget needs for fieldwork and documentation
FAQ
1. What types of knowledge qualify?
Crafts, material processes, tools, objects and practices linked to cultural identity or ecological knowledge.
2. Are foodways eligible?
Yes—only when explored through material culture such as tools, vessels, or preparation technologies.
3. Can international teams apply?
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions.
4. What is the difference between small and large grants?
Small grants: up to £20,000 for one year. Large grants: up to £100,000 for two years.
5. Can a student apply as Principal Applicant?
Yes, but they must include a supervisor letter confirming capacity.
6. Can someone with an active EMKP grant apply?
Principal Applicants cannot; Co-Applicants may if reporting is up to date.
7. Do projects need community collaboration?
Yes. Ethical, respectful collaboration with knowledge holders is essential.
Conclusion
The EMKP documentation grants provide a critical opportunity to preserve endangered material knowledge systems through rigorous, ethical and community-guided documentation. With significant funding options and broad global eligibility, the programme helps safeguard cultural practices, tools and traditions so they can be shared, studied and passed on to future generations.
For more information, visit EMKP.
