TPAC inclusion fund
This year's Invited Expert support fund is proudly supported by
Introduction
The TPAC inclusion fund aims to help reduce barriers for W3C participants who have shown their commitment through positive contributions to the work of W3C group(s), but who require support to be more actively involved to contribute more frequently, widely or in a meaningful way at TPAC.
The TPAC inclusion fund 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 all W3C participants who:
- attended either online or on-site TPAC the year prior to submitting a request for financial support
- have a good track record of attendance to group(s) meetings and uphold the W3C Code of Conduct, meaning that they are participants in good standing.
The fund will be open to those who, without financial assistance, will be unable to attend TPAC in person, and are committed to contribute to W3C technical work in a meaningful way. The following are some examples of what a meaningful contribution may include:
- Organizing a breakout session or contributing to the TPAC program in a meaningful way
- Writing specifications, documentation or tests
- Preparing documents such as explainers or drafts for discussion
- Reviewing a group’s work and preparing comments for discussion
Prioritization criteria
The fund will prioritize support of under-represented groups, to improve diversity of background, gender, experiences, expertise and skills at TPAC. Requests 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.
Coverage of the fund
The fund will accept requests to cover costs associated with one or more of the acceptable expenses as follows:
- TPAC registration cost.
- 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.
- The costs of travel and shared accommodation required for an additional adult to attend in the role of carer, without whom participation would be impossible.
- 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.
W3C usually provides childcare on-site free of charge to all TPAC participants that require it to be able to participate effectively.
Application
The application form will collect information related to the following criteria and conditions to apply. Responses will be subject to verification:
- A good track record of attendance to group(s) meetings upholding the W3C Code of Conduct.
- Attended at least one meeting in the last two years, prior to the application, either online or in person.
- Indicate what alternative mechanisms they have in place to raise funds directly and disclose any conditions imposed by a sponsor and any potential or perceived conflict of interest derived from the acceptance of such funds. If no other source of funding is available, the applicant should choose one of the following options as the one that better describe their situation:
- lack financial backing from their employer, i.e., they are not supported by an employer who covers their expenses for participation above and beyond their usual salary or
- are consultants/advisors without a specific business interest that can only allocate a portion of their budget towards covering the cost of their participation or
- do not have an additional source of income to support their volunteering.
- Present an estimated financial support needed that includes all the meetings for which the Invited Expert is requesting support, including at least two quotes. The selected 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.
Timeline
- 17 July 2025: Applications opening
- 8 August 2025: Applications closing (midnight UTC)
- 22 August 2025: Applicants and awardee(s) informed