Eligibility criteria
- Projects must take place between 1 December 2026 and 31 August 2027
- The collaboration must be with a UK-based partner external to your organisation.
- The organisation that applies for funding must be a Technician Commitment signatory or supporter. The collaborating external organisation(s) does not need to be a signatory.
- Any member of staff from a signatory or supporter organisation can apply to the Collaboration Fund but they must include a letter from the Technician Commitment lead(s) in the application.
- Applications will not be accepted if you applied for the previous round of funding (December 2025–February 2026 submission window).
- Successful applicants will be asked to produce a short project report outlining the activity undertaken and the outputs, outcomes and impact. You may be invited to present at a future Technician Commitment signatory event or technician-focussed conference.
Selection Criteria
- Applications must demonstrate how the proposed project will advance one or more of the key pillars of the Technician Commitment: Visibility, Recognition, Career Development and Sustainability.
- Value for money
- Evidence how this will impact their institution and the Technician Commitment
Duration
The application window runs from 1 September 2026–31 October 2026.
Successful projects should be delivered between 1 December 2026 and 31 August 2027.
Scope of the Fund
Collaboration can take many forms, and the Technician Commitment welcomes new and innovative approaches. Some examples could be joint workshops, shared training, development of shared materials, facilitation of work placements, exchanges, seminars, or conference-style activity – although this list is not prescriptive.
The panel will consider any reasonable costs, if justified.
Application process
- Please complete the application form by 31 October 2026.
- If the staff member submitting the application is not a Technician Commitment institutional lead, please provide a letter of support from your institution’s Technician Commitment Lead(s) alongside the application form.
- Outcomes will be communicated in November 2026.
Additional requirements
On completion of the project, successful applicants will be asked to produce a short report, outlining the activity undertaken and the outputs, outcomes and impact.
Support
The Technician Commitment team are very happy to discuss ideas for the Collaboration Fund. If you would like some support in developing your ideas or would like more information, please contact Carly Dellar at tc@itss.org.uk.
