Invited Experts support fund

The Invited Expert support fund sponsors will be announced shortly

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Sponsor TPAC 2026 and get great benefits!

Introduction

The Invited Experts support fund aims to help reduce barriers for Invited Experts who have shown their commitment through positive contributions as Chairs, Editors and/or elected/appointed member of the TAG and/or the AB, but who require support to be more actively involved to contribute more frequently, widely or in a meaningful way at TPAC, AC meeting and/or group meetings.

The Invited Experts support initiative contributes to W3C stakeholder strategy, as outlined in the 2025-2028 Strategic Objectives and Initiatives.

The amount available for the fund is based on W3C member dues, funding from the Community Engagement Champions sponsorship plus donations. We encourage you to contribute generously.

Eligibility

The fund will be open to Invited Experts who:

• have received the Invited Expert status at least six months prior to the call for funding applications
• have a role as a Chair, an Editor, or a member of the TAG or AB
• have a proven track record of attendance to group(s) meetings in the six months prior to submitting the application
• have a role as a Chair, an Editor, or a member of the TAG or AB
• are proven to uphold the W3C Code of Conduct

The applicant will confirm their commitment to attend event(s) for which they are receiving financial support in full and conduct their duties responsibly and in line with the W3C Code of Conduct.

The application period will be open once a year. Invited Experts will be welcome to apply based on the knowledge they have to advance the work of groups at a specific W3C event.

Prioritization criteria

The fund will prioritize support of under-represented groups, to improve diversity of background, gender, experiences, expertise and skills. Applications from participants from the following groups will be prioritized:

• Individuals who work from low and middle income economies
• Individuals who represent small organizations or organizations from stakeholder groups or industries not widely represented in the W3C community
• Women and gender diverse individuals
• Individuals living with a disability
• Individuals that have not received support in the previous round of funding

Coverage of the fund

TPAC participation fees will be waived for all W3C Invited Experts once they have completed the TPAC registration form.

W3C will offer partial support for selected applicants. Applicants will be required to provide details about the portion of their expenses they may be able to cover.

The Invited Experts support fund will accept applications to partially cover costs associated with one or more of the acceptable expenses as follows:

• Travel to attend TPAC meetings in the most economic, direct and safe route, booked in advance to secure more economical rates.
• Accommodation booked in advance, and within any deadlines provided by the venue to secure the less expensive rate.
• Cost of insurance policy issued specifically for the travel dates, covering travel and medical expenses. If the selected participant has a current annual/employer travel insurance policy, W3C will not cover the cost but a copy of the policy should be presented as a requirement to be reimbursed.
• Costs of travel and insurance, as well as shared accommodation for an additional adult to attend in the role of carer, without whom participation would be impossible. The carer will also receive free registration. The carer is expected to provide support during travel and every day during the event (for example facilitating the participant mobility around the venue, to and from social events, etc).

W3C usually provides childcare on-site free of charge to all TPAC participants who require it to be able to participate effectively.

Application

The application form collects information required to be able to conduct the selection process, to meet the eligibility criteria and conditions to apply, as well as the reasons to seek financial support. Responses will be subject to verification.

The application will also include a section where the applicant can provide a clear description of any mechanisms the applicant has in place to raise funds to support their participation, and disclose any conditions imposed by other sponsors and any potential or perceived conflict of interest derived from the acceptance of such funds.

The applicant will be required to provide a clear quote for the cost of travel and accommodation. The proposed option should clearly display a balance between lower cost and convenience (for example shorter connection between flights, or walking distance from venue) without compromising on safety and accessibility requirements.

The estimate should clearly state what costs the applicant is prepared to cover, as the fund will also provide partial support.

Selection

The application period will be open once a year. Applications will be assessed by a committee, appointed by the CEO.

In addition to the guidelines and criteria provided around acceptable expenses, the following considerations will be part of the review process:

• The costs of any additional personal trips before or after the proposed events are not allowable expenses.
• Inbound and outbound travel dates and locations may vary if this offers better value for money overall. Such calculations should be included in the estimated financial support.
• The applicant will acknowledge that, if financial support is confirmed, they will provide (if requested) updated quotes for pre-approval of expenditure.
• The applicant will commit to present valid dated receipts to process reimbursement. When submitting a request for reimbursement that includes receipts in different currencies, the applicant should submit the request in a single currency, disclosing the exchange rate used. The applicant will acknowledge that any expenses claimed were not submitted to other funding sources for reimbursement.

The application for 2026 will open shortly.

Support the Inclusion and Invited Expert Support funds

Sponsorship

Sponsors can help reduce barriers for participation and create high value relations and collaboration opportunities by contributing towards the Inclusion and Invited Experts funds:

• Demonstrate commitment to individuals positively contributing as Chairs, Editors and/or on elected bodies that without financial support will not be able to attend the event
• Increase representation from low and middle income economies among W3C participants
• Support women, gender diverse individuals and those living with a disability to strengthen their engagement at W3C
• Increase representation from small organizations or from stakeholder groups or industries not yet widely represented in the W3C community.

10% discount applies to sponsors contributing to TPAC, the Inclusion and Invited Experts funds if agreement and payment is processed by 31 July 2026.

In-kind sponsorship is welcomed at the commercial value of the selected Sponsorship package.

Donate

You can support the fund with any amount, by donating through our online donations system, or by accepting to donate 5% of your TPAC registration ticket in support of the funds.

Donate