The Welsh Government’s Digital Inclusion Wales Grant funds local projects that improve digital skills, device access, and internet connectivity across Wales. The grant features two streams—Core (multi-year) and Innovation (one-year)—designed to help communities meet a minimum digital living standard. Eligible organisations can apply for revenue and capital support to strengthen digital equity and long-term inclusion.

Digital Inclusion Wales Grant: Complete AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

The Digital Inclusion Wales Grant is a national funding programme designed to reduce digital exclusion and support community-led solutions that improve digital skills, access, and confidence. It helps people achieve a “minimum digital living standard,” ensuring they can participate fully in the digital world.

Key Purpose of the Grant

The grant invests in place-based digital inclusion projects that address:

• Lack of basic digital skills

• Limited access to devices

• Poor or unreliable connectivity

• Low confidence with online tools and services

Its goal is long-term digital equity across Wales.

Funding Streams

Core Grant (Multi-Year Funding)

• Supports projects running up to 3 years

• Annual funds available:

  • £360,000 revenue

  • £30,000 capital

• Typical annual requests:

  • Up to £40,000 revenue

  • Up to £3,500 capital

• Maximum possible over 3 years:

  • £120,000 revenue

  • £10,500 capital

• Designed for projects rooted in clear, local digital inclusion needs

Innovation Grant (One-Year Projects)

• Supports creative, experimental, or pilot initiatives

• Annual funds available:

  • £40,000 revenue

  • £20,000 capital

• Typical application:

  • Up to £10,000 revenue

  • Up to £5,000 capital

• Intended for new methods that help people independently use digital technology

Eligible Organisations

The grant is open to a wide range of organisations, including:

• Community groups

• Social enterprises

• Voluntary and not-for-profit organisations

• Faith groups

• Public sector bodies

• Private sector bodies working on community digital inclusion

Projects must be place-based and designed to address specific, locally identified digital barriers.

What the Funding Can Cover

Eligible Activities

• Digital skills workshops and basic training

• Outreach to underserved communities

• Providing devices (laptops, tablets)

• Offering connectivity support (data, Wi-Fi solutions)

• Volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination

• Staff time directly related to digital inclusion delivery

• Projects integrated into long-term organisational activity

Ineligible Costs

• Activities unrelated to digital inclusion

• General organisational overheads

• Unsustainable, one-off giveaways with no long-term value

• Costs not directly contributing to the project’s outcomes

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Assess Local Need
   Identify the specific digital barriers in your community—skills, devices, connectivity, confidence, or all three.

2. Choose a Funding Stream

   • Select Core if your project spans up to 3 years.

   • Select Innovation if you are testing a new, one-year digital inclusion idea.

3. Develop a Sustainable Plan
   The application must explain how the project’s benefits will continue after the grant ends.

4. Prepare Your Budget
   Provide clear cost breakdowns for revenue and capital expenses.

5. Highlight Collaboration
   Partnerships with local groups strengthen applications and expand reach.

6. Submit Application
   Follow the Welsh Government’s online submission process (details available on the programme webpage).

Why This Grant Matters

• Strengthens digital equity across Wales

• Helps residents meet essential digital living standards

• Supports economic participation, access to services, and social inclusion

• Empowers community organisations to lead local digital transformation

• Encourages sustainable, integrated digital inclusion work

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects without clear evidence of local need

• Failing to demonstrate long-term sustainability

• Requesting funding for general organisational costs

• Submitting unclear or unrealistic budgets

• Overlooking collaboration opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of the Digital Inclusion Wales Grant?

To reduce digital exclusion by supporting community projects that improve skills, device access, and connectivity.

2. Who can apply for funding?

Any community group, voluntary organisation, social enterprise, faith group, or public/private sector body addressing local digital inclusion challenges.

3. Can staff salaries be funded?

Yes, but only for work directly tied to delivering digital inclusion activities.

4. How is the Core Grant different from the Innovation Grant?

Core supports multi-year, need-based projects; Innovation funds one-year creative pilots.

5. What counts as a capital cost?

Devices, equipment, and infrastructure that support digital access (e.g., laptops, routers).

6. Can projects involve partnerships?

Yes. Collaboration is encouraged and strengthens applications.

7. What must applicants show to qualify?

Clear local digital needs, a sustainable plan, and measurable long-term community benefits.

Conclusion

The Digital Inclusion Wales Grant is a powerful opportunity for organisations committed to digital equity. By funding practical, place-based projects that improve skills, access, and confidence, the Welsh Government is advancing a more inclusive digital future. Organisations ready to address digital barriers can use this grant to create lasting community impact.