Purpose of the Fund:

The Fibrus Community Fund was established by Fibrus Networks Ltd in 2021. The fund is aimed at addressing digital poverty and exists to support the work of communities across Northern Ireland to provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable.

We recognise that the most vulnerable in our community can sometimes get left behind when it comes to accessing modern technology, something most of us take for granted.

Having the ability to access the internet can open a range of opportunities for individuals and communities especially when it comes to education, employment and socialising. Formed with one vision; to connect communities across Northern Ireland, the Fibrus Community Fund will offer technology grants to enable people to stay connected, whether it is young people staying connected to online resources for school, or elderly people ordering groceries and video calling family.

Data from the Office of National Statistics in 2019 detailed that, despite how the number of people who can’t or don’t use the internet, has declined in general since 2012, Northern Ireland continues to have the highest proportion of non-internet users across the UK, at 14.2%. Those who perhaps are already disadvantaged and isolated, are now even more so as a result of the pandemic. The digital divide remains a problem throughout Northern Ireland.

The fund therefore, has a particular focus on supporting grassroots organisations that support older people or young people aged 18 and under.

The Fibrus Community Fund will open in two phases in 2023 in tandem with Fibrus’ build programme of new full fibre broadband, with phase one opening in January 2023.

Fund Aims:

The fund is aimed at addressing digital poverty by awarding grants of up to £2,000 to enable local groups and organisations in particular areas, to provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable in that community, with a particular focus on older people and young people aged 18 and under.

We want the fund to support community organisations who are supporting young people or older people to address the digital divide.

What is Available?

We will offer grants of up to £2,000 for projects to address any gaps that younger and older people might face in their communities, which may include provision of access to technological devices.

Who Can Apply?

Constituted community organisations based in the areas outlined below can apply:

Eligible postcodes:

BT22 , BT23, BT24, BT25, BT26, BT27, BT28, BT30, BT31, BT32, BT33, BT34, BT35, BT38, BT39, BT40, BT41, BT42, BT43, BT44, BT45, BT46, BT48, BT51, BT52, BT53, BT54, BT55, BT56, BT57, BT60, BT61, BT62, BT63, BT65, BT66, BT67, BT69, BT70, BT71, BT74, BT75, BT76, BT77, BT78, BT79, BT80, BT81, BT82, BT92, BT93, BT94

In the event of oversubscription we will prioritise:

1. Applicants who have not previously been awarded a grant from the fund

2. Organisations that have an annual income below £50,000

3. Those who more clearly articulate the need in relation to the beneficiaries

Examples of Types of Projects:

Projects that provide access to engage with a range of digital devices (laptops, tablets, iPads, smart-phones, etc.), such as a community loan facility, etc.
Projects that strengthen the capacity of individuals to use a range of available digital services, such as training workshops or courses, which may also include catering and venue hire costs.
Projects that provide access to enhance connections with others, such as a community-use internet hub, or internet café, etc.
Provision of internet installation/connection in community facilities for community use.

Project Priorities:

Focus on the positive contribution of people within the community, and support those most in need of support to use and access digital technologies
We want to hear how your community intends to build on the assets within that community, to support those who have faced digital challenges
We expect you to focus on the need of your beneficiaries in terms of digital poverty, as well as focus on what is good about your community, and how this project will build on previous successes as a community, and support the beneficiary/beneficiaries in the longer term

The fund will close at 1:00pm on Monday 20 February 2023.

Please visit The Fibrus Community Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)