[BCMA] BC History Digitization Program: 2027-2028 Call for Submissions

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv]

Dear colleagues,

The British Columbia History Digitization Program (BCHDP) is now accepting applications for project funding. The program, initiated by the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre in 2006, provides matching funds to support digitization projects that make unique British Columbia content freely available. Since its inception in 2006, the BCHDP has awarded more than $3 million of matching funds for more than 280 projects.

In 2026, the program awarded more than $150,000 for 20 projects. The wealth and diversity of unique British Columbia content to be digitized is impressive. The BCHDP will be accepting applications for the 2027-2028 funding year. Applicants can receive up to $15,000 of matching funds for their projects. Multi-year projects are accepted with each successive year going through the adjudication process.

In an effort to bolster BCHDP’s commitment to building capacity and supporting community-based organizations* in the preservation and digitization of unique British Columbia content, in this upcoming funding cycle, the program will prioritize applications that are led by community-based organizations. If you have questions about community-based organization prioritization, please reach out to the BCHDP Coordinator (bc.historydigitization at ubc.ca).

Prospective applicants are no longer required to be a registered charity or qualified donee<https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyBscSrch?request_locale=en> listed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you have questions or concerns about this change please contact the BCHDP Coordinator (bc.historydigitization at ubc.ca).

In the context of de-colonization and reconciliation, the BC History Digitization Program will consider applications from Indigenous organizations for projects that will not result in public access to the digitized material. IKBLC recognizes that open access is not always ethical or appropriate for Indigenous content. Indigenous applications will be evaluated according to the same criteria in all other aspects of the project applications but will not be required to provide public access to the digitized content.

Applications to be submitted via email to bc.historydigitization at ubc.ca by Monday, December 7, 2026 @ 9:00 AM PCT. Information about the application process as well as the guidelines and application form are available on the BCHDP website  (https://ikblc.ubc.ca/initiatives/bcdigitinfo/bchdp-applicant-information/).  Please use the current Guidelines and Instructions and Application Form because both are updated annually based on feedback from applicants and the program adjudicators.

If you have any questions or concerns about eligibility or any of the requirements, please contact the BCHDP Coordinator (bc.historydigitization at ubc.ca). For more information about the program and to view past projects, please visit the BC History Digitization Program website (https://ikblc.ubc.ca/initiatives/bcdigitinfo/).

*Community-based organizations are non-profit, non-governmental, or charitable organizations that represent community needs and work to help them. CBOs may be associated with a particular area of concern or segment of the community.

Warm regards,

Sasha Han (she/her)
Librarian
BC ELN-BCHDP Support Service
BC Electronic Library Network
Phone: 604.368.4659
digisupport at bceln.ca<mailto:digisupport at bceln.ca>

Learn more about our service: https://bceln.github.io/bchdp-docs/
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