Funding is available for community groups and voluntary organisations to address digital poverty in rural communities in Northern Ireland.

The Fibrus Community Fund is awarding grants of a maximum of £2,000 to assist local groups and organisations in certain areas to improve digital access for the most marginalised members of the community, with a particular focus on older people, people on low income and people with disabilities.

Examples of the types of projects that could be funded include:

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.
Projects that provide access to enhance connections with others, such as a community-use internet hub, or internet café, etc.

The Fibrus Community Fund will have one round of funding in 2024. Applications will be accepted from community groups, voluntary organisations and other local, grassroots or community-led organisations with an annual income below £50,000. A detailed list of eligible postcodes can be found on the Community Foundation Northern Ireland website.

The deadline for applications is 17 May 2024 (1pm).

For more information, please visit The Fibrus Community Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)