DEPI — Digital Estate Planning Institute

DEPI Founding Circle

The DEPI Founding Circle is a limited group of early supporters, contributors, and institutional allies who play a formative role in the establishment and evolution of the Digital Estate Planning Institute (DEPI).

Founding Circle members support DEPI at a critical stage—helping shape standards, certifications, research priorities, and governance practices as the institute establishes itself as a global authority in digital estate continuity. Participation in the Founding Circle reflects a commitment to public-interest standards, long-term thinking, and responsible digital governance.

Purpose and Role

Why the Founding Circle Exists

DEPI was created to address systemic gaps in how digital estates are governed. The Founding Circle exists to ensure that DEPI’s early development is:

  • Informed by real-world professional experience
  • Grounded in ethical and institutional rigor
  • Responsive to emerging risks and opportunities
  • Aligned with long-term public interest rather than short-term commercial pressure

Founding Circle members do not control DEPI. They contribute insight, perspective, and support within defined governance boundaries.

Role of Founding Circle Members

Founding Circle members may:

  • Provide input during early standards consultations
  • Participate in advisory discussions and working groups
  • Offer feedback on certification and accreditation frameworks
  • Support DEPI’s mission through visibility and institutional advocacy

Participation is advisory in nature and does not imply decision-making authority unless separately appointed.

Eligibility

Who May Join the Founding Circle

Founding Circle participation is open, by invitation or application, to individuals and organizations with demonstrated experience or interest in areas relevant to DEPI’s mission, including:

  • Estate planning and fiduciary practice
  • Digital asset custody and infrastructure
  • Law, policy, and regulation
  • Cybersecurity and digital governance
  • Research, academia, or standards development
  • Platform or systems architecture (non-promotional)

Applicants are evaluated based on:

  • Professional background
  • Alignment with DEPI’s mission and ethics
  • Willingness to support a standards-based approach

Benefits of Participation

Founding Circle Benefits

Founding Circle members receive:

  • Early visibility into DEPI standards and initiatives
  • Opportunities to participate in consultations and discussions
  • Recognition as early supporters of DEPI
  • Access to selected briefings, events, or updates
  • Inclusion in Founding Circle acknowledgements (where appropriate)

Benefits are designed to support engagement and contribution, not commercial advantage.

Influence & Governance Boundaries

Influence Without Control

DEPI maintains strict governance boundaries to protect its independence.

Founding Circle members:

  • Do not vote on board matters by default
  • Do not influence accreditation outcomes
  • Do not receive preferential treatment in certifications or standards

Any formal governance role (e.g., committee membership) is handled separately and subject to DEPI governance policies.

This structure ensures DEPI remains neutral, credible, and trusted.

Early Access & Institutional Impact

Founding Circle members may receive early access to:

  • Draft standards and frameworks
  • Pilot certification programs
  • Research previews and policy briefs
  • Invitations to closed-door roundtables

This early engagement helps DEPI refine its work while maintaining transparency and integrity.

How to Apply

Participation in the Founding Circle is limited to ensure meaningful engagement.

Interested individuals or organizations may apply by submitting:

  • A brief background summary
  • Statement of interest and alignment
  • Relevant experience or perspective

Applications are reviewed periodically.

Apply via the Contact page here.