ARDC Grant Application Deadline: 1-Feb-2026

ARDC (Amateur Radio Digital Communications) has announced their 2026 funding priorities along with the deadline for grant applications (1-Feb-2026).

As members of the HamSCI and amateur radio communities may already be aware, the mission of Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is to support, promote, and enhance digital communication and broader communication science and technology, to promote Amateur Radio, scientific research, experimentation, education, development, open access, and innovation in information and communication technology.

Further, ARDC is a foundation that funds projects which advance Amateur Radio (AR), Digital Communications (DC), and related technologies. HamSCI's research efforts have greatly benefited from their giving, as a number of projects, activities and individuals have benefitted from ARDC grants in recent years.

This link describes ARDC's funding priorities, which we introduced earlier in 2025: ardc.net/apply/priority-areas-for-funding/

ARDC is especially interested in projects that align with these three areas:

• Research and Development: Open hardware and software systems that enable learning and experimentation (e.g. SDRs, open codec technologies, new modulation techniques).

• Space-Based Communications: Projects that create or expand access to satellite communications for amateur radio (AR) and digital communications (DC), engaging communities in wireless experimentation (e.g. GEO or HEO programs, repurposed commercial satellites, space-based tools for learning).

• Open Source Education: Scalable, open educational materials and hands-on projects that make AR and DC more accessible, especially for new learners and clubs (e.g. curricula, videos).

While ARDC welcomes proposals across the full range of Amateur Radio and Digital Communications, projects that align with these areas remain a priority in their grantmaking decisions.

The ARDC website fully describes their mission and values, the people behind the organization, priorities, scholarships and the grant application process.