DDPI Worldwide is pleased to announce a new grant-making fund to support the growth of DDP in emerging regions where financial barriers limit access to DDP training and development.
The Growth & Access Program (GAP) is designed to open DDP pathways for practitioners, organisations and communities in the Global South and other underserved regions through group and member-led initiatives. The $20,000 USD fund will be used to support small grants that work as catalysts, creating sustainable growth, strengthening the DDP field and building lasting local capacity.
This program marks a significant step in DDPI Worldwide’s commitment to ensuring that geography and economic circumstances do not determine who can participate in training or contribute to the development of DDP.
In many parts of the world access to training in DDP, certification and professional development is limited by financial constraints, geographic location and local resources. GAP exists to help change this.
The program is live from June 1, 2026, and open to applications at any time going forward.
“We are delighted to launch the Growth & Access Programme. Our specially formed sub-committee is looking forward to hearing about creative ideas and projects and the programme offers a clear and inclusive process. By investing in local innovation and resources, DDPI Worldwide hopes the programme will strengthen DDP communities, expand and inspire opportunities, and help the benefits of DDP reach more people around the world.”
Billy Smythe
DDPI Worldwide Board of Directors Co-chair
About the Growth & Access Program (GAP)
GAP provides one-off grants of up to $5,000 USD per project. Grant will be awarded under two categories, supporting DDP training delivery, adaptation and participation, and advancing DDP practice and development.
Successful applications will expand local and regional capacity over time, empowering communities to grow and sustain DDP without ongoing external support. Not intended to provide direct financial benefit to individual members, they will instead strengthen the DDP field as a whole in new or underserved regions.
A variety of activities are eligible for funding. Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Translation of DDP materials into new languages
- Development of culturally adapted teaching resources
- Community access workshops in low-income regions
- Seed funding for new DDP regional networks
- Accessibility adaptations (e.g. disability access tools)
- Pilot initiatives that expand DDP reach responsibly
- Partial trainer fee subsidies
- Training participant fee reductions
- Seed funding to establish first regional training cohort
See our Growth & Access Program (GAP) page for detailed information about the program and online application form link.
Who can apply
In order to apply, an applicant must be a DDPI Worldwide member (including certified Practitioners, Consultants and Trainers) or an approved Training Provider in good standing. Applicants can apply on behalf of themselves, organisations and members-led groups such as DDP Special Interest Groups, DDPI Worldwide Committees, regional organizations and steering groups.
How to apply
GAP applications may be submitted at any time during the year. Full guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the online application form are available on the following page.
Those eligible are encouraged to review the guidelines carefully and reach out with any questions before submitting an application by emailing support@ddpnetwork.org.
