Deadline: 30-Mar-2026
The Digital Inclusion Fund provides grants of up to £25,000 to charitable, voluntary, faith, community groups, and social enterprises in Suffolk. The program supports initiatives that improve digital skills, access to devices, and affordable connectivity, reducing digital poverty and promoting social inclusion.
Program Overview
The Digital Inclusion Fund aims to reduce digital poverty and its effects for residents in Suffolk. By funding access to digital tools, connectivity, and skills training, the program helps individuals improve employability, independence, health outcomes, and overall quality of life.
Objectives
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Reduce digital poverty and its social impacts
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Increase digital inclusion across underserved groups
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Improve access to health services, training, and employment opportunities
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Empower residents to engage confidently in an increasingly digital society
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: Up to £25,000 per project (larger awards may be considered in exceptional cases)
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Eligible Costs: Revenue, capital, core costs, organizational overheads, with full cost recovery possible
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Project Duration: Flexible, depending on project needs
Eligible Activities
Funding can support a variety of initiatives, including:
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Digital skills training for residents of Suffolk
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Provision of digital devices (laptops, tablets, assistive technology)
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Affordable or low-cost internet connectivity
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Projects addressing digital access for people with disabilities or sensory impairments
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Community outreach, mentoring, and support to increase digital literacy
Target Beneficiaries
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Residents with lower income levels
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Individuals with disabilities or sensory impairments
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Those unable to fully access the labor market
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Specific focus on:
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Lowestoft and North East Suffolk (Leiston, Saxmundham)
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Ipswich areas with higher income deprivation
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Rural communities in Babergh, Mid Suffolk, and West Suffolk
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Eligible Applicants
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Charitable and voluntary organizations
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Faith and community groups
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Social enterprises operating in Suffolk
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Organizations running new or existing initiatives addressing digital inclusion
How to Apply
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Confirm your organization meets eligibility criteria
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Develop a project plan outlining objectives, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes
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Prepare a detailed budget covering project costs, including device procurement, connectivity, and training
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Submit a complete application to the Suffolk Community Foundation according to program guidelines
Why This Fund Matters
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Tackles digital exclusion, which can limit access to jobs, health, and services
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Enhances community participation and social connectedness
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Supports independence and confidence in using technology
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Promotes wider social and economic inclusion within Suffolk
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Charitable, voluntary, faith, community organizations, and social enterprises operating in Suffolk.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to £25,000, with larger awards possible in exceptional cases.
3. Can both new and existing projects apply? Yes, the fund supports both types of initiatives.
4. Who benefits from the funding? Residents with low income, disabilities, or limited access to the labor market.
5. What types of activities are supported? Digital skills training, device provision, affordable connectivity, and outreach programs.
6. Are there specific geographic priorities? Yes, focus areas include Lowestoft, North East Suffolk, Ipswich deprived areas, and rural Babergh, Mid Suffolk, and West Suffolk.
7. Can the grant cover organizational overheads? Yes, full cost recovery including overheads is allowed.
Conclusion
The Digital Inclusion Fund empowers Suffolk communities by reducing digital poverty and expanding access to essential digital tools, skills, and connectivity. By supporting organizations that bridge the digital divide, the program improves employability, independence, and social inclusion, helping residents thrive in a digitally connected world.
For more information, visit Suffolk Community Foundation.
