Deadline: 28-Nov-22
The St Monica Trust is pleased to launch the Digital Inclusion Fund for projects that build older people’s knowledge, confidence and skills in the digital world, helping them to stay well informed, connected and in control of their lives.
Digital exclusion is an obstacle to participation in the society for many older people, and everyday tasks and activities have become more complicated for the less digitally literate.
Funding Information
- Maximum award: £35,000 for one year, with the potential for a further two years of funding depending on reporting, reported outcomes and continuing need.
What do they want to fund?
- The St Monica Trust wishes to support organisations to improve the digital skills of older people and equip them with the ability to participate in the online world, improving independence and communication.
- The main aim of this fund is to improve digital access for people over 55. This might be through computer clubs, Employment and IT Skills training, or training on the use of smartphones/tablets/laptops.
Outcomes
- They are interested to see the impact that the grant giving has on individuals. When funding organisations, they ask that they record evidence to contribute to one or more of the identified outcomes. For this fund, they are interested to see the impact that the projects have on the following outcomes:
- Belonging and Community Contributions
- They hope that this fund will equip older people with the necessary skills to play an active part in their community through improved access to services and communication that has an increasingly online focus. Participants will be measured on indicators such as:
- I feel connected,
- I get the level of social contact that I want, or
- I can contribute to my community as much as I want to.
- They hope that this fund will equip older people with the necessary skills to play an active part in their community through improved access to services and communication that has an increasingly online focus. Participants will be measured on indicators such as:
- Creativity and Learning
- Following multiple lockdowns they all saw the dramatic move to online provision, with a wide range of classes and groups adapting through the use of digital platforms. For those without reliable or affordable access to the internet, the hardware and/or software, or the skills to use it, such provision became inaccessible. Projects may evidence how this is being address with indicators that might include:
- I have been able to do the things that I want to do.
- I have opportunities and a sense of purpose.
- I feel inspired.
- Following multiple lockdowns they all saw the dramatic move to online provision, with a wide range of classes and groups adapting through the use of digital platforms. For those without reliable or affordable access to the internet, the hardware and/or software, or the skills to use it, such provision became inaccessible. Projects may evidence how this is being address with indicators that might include:
- Belonging and Community Contributions
Eligibility Criteria
- The St Monica Trust only accepts applications for grant funding from organisations that:
- Deliver the project in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire or North Somerset.
- Have been constituted for over 12 months and are able to supply financial records.
- Are non-profit making and working for the social good.
For more information, visit https://www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/charitable-impact/charitable-giving
