Deadline: 16-Jul-2026
The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund is designed to support community-led initiatives that address barriers preventing people from accessing digital opportunities.
The fund supports organisations that help communities:
- Access digital devices and technology
- Develop digital skills and confidence
- Connect with essential online services
- Reduce social isolation
- Access employment opportunities
- Improve digital safety awareness
- Participate in online communities and services
The programme focuses on practical solutions that make digital access easier for people who may otherwise be excluded.
Purpose of the Fund
The main purpose of the Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund is to reduce digital inequality across Greater Manchester by supporting grassroots organisations delivering meaningful community-based solutions.
The fund aims to:
- Improve digital access for underserved groups
- Increase digital confidence and skills
- Support community-led technology projects
- Help people access online services
- Reduce barriers caused by digital exclusion
- Strengthen community connections through technology
What Is Digital Inclusion?
Digital inclusion means ensuring that everyone has the ability, access, and confidence to participate in the digital world.
Digital inclusion involves:
- Access to devices such as computers and tablets
- Reliable internet access
- Digital skills and training
- Confidence using online services
- Understanding online safety
- Ability to access digital opportunities
The fund recognises that digital exclusion can affect people’s ability to access healthcare, employment, financial support, education, and social connections.
Key Areas Supported by the Fund
Improving Access to Digital Resources
The programme supports projects that provide communities with better access to technology.
Examples include:
- Providing refurbished computers
- Improving access to digital equipment
- Helping residents use technology
- Supporting community technology hubs
Developing Digital Skills
The fund supports activities that improve people’s confidence and ability to use digital tools.
Examples include:
- Digital skills workshops
- Technology training sessions
- Basic digital literacy programmes
- Support for people learning to use online services
Supporting Employment and Young People
The programme supports digital-based employment preparation, especially for young people.
Projects may include:
- Digital employability training
- Online job search skills
- Workplace technology training
- Career-focused digital learning
Reducing Social Isolation
Digital inclusion can help people maintain relationships and participate in community life.
Supported activities may help:
- Older people stay connected
- Isolated individuals communicate online
- Communities build digital connections
Supporting Access to Essential Services
Many essential services are now delivered digitally.
The fund supports projects helping people access:
- Health information
- Online medical appointments
- Financial support services
- Welfare advice
- Community information
Supporting Older People to Get Online
The fund encourages projects that help older residents:
- Learn digital skills
- Use online communication tools
- Access essential services
- Stay connected with family and friends
Promoting Online Safety for Young People
The programme supports initiatives that help young people:
- Understand online risks
- Develop safe internet habits
- Use digital platforms responsibly
Who Can Apply?
The fund is open to grassroots community organisations operating in Greater Manchester.
Eligible organisations must:
- Be community-based organisations
- Have an annual income of less than £150,000
- Be locally managed
- Work directly with communities
- Deliver activities that address digital exclusion
Suitable Applicant Organisations
Eligible applicants may include:
- Community groups
- Local voluntary organisations
- Grassroots charities
- Resident-led organisations
- Community support groups
The programme prioritises organisations with strong local knowledge and direct community relationships.
Funding Available
Eligible organisations can apply for:
- Grants of up to £2,500
Funding is designed to support practical community projects that improve digital inclusion.
How Funding Can Be Used
Grant funding can support a range of activities.
Eligible uses may include:
- Digital skills workshops
- Technology training sessions
- Digital support activities
- Refurbished computer distribution
- Digital employment training
- Community technology projects
- Online safety education
- Digital access improvements
Integrated Digital Inclusion Activities
Digital inclusion does not need to be a standalone project.
The fund supports organisations that include digital support within wider community services.
Examples include:
Older People’s Groups
Activities may include:
- Helping older people learn digital skills
- Supporting online communication
- Improving access to online services
Health Support Groups
Activities may include:
- Helping people access health information
- Supporting online appointment systems
- Improving digital health access
Foodbanks and Community Support Services
Activities may include:
- Helping users access online welfare services
- Providing digital support alongside practical assistance
Youth Groups
Activities may include:
- Online safety education
- Digital skills development
- Employment-focused digital training
How to Apply
Organisations should follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should check that they:
- Operate in Greater Manchester
- Are grassroots community organisations
- Have annual income below £150,000
- Deliver activities benefiting local communities
Step 2: Develop a Digital Inclusion Project Idea
Applicants should explain:
- The digital barriers faced by their community
- Who will benefit
- How the project will improve digital access or skills
- Expected outcomes
Step 3: Prepare a Funding Plan
Applicants should outline:
- Amount requested
- How funding will be spent
- Activities supported by the grant
- Community benefits
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications should be submitted according to the fund requirements through the designated application process.
Applicants should provide clear information about their organisation, project, and expected impact.
Examples of Supported Projects
The fund may support projects such as:
- Digital skills classes for beginners
- Providing refurbished laptops to residents
- Training young people in digital workplace skills
- Supporting older adults to use online services
- Helping communities access online information
- Digital support delivered through existing community programmes
Activities Not Supported
The fund does not support:
- Activities that have already happened
- Costs that have already been paid
- Contributions to major fundraising appeals
- Projects promoting political beliefs
- Projects promoting religious beliefs
- Services that should be delivered by statutory organisations
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for activities outside digital inclusion
- Requesting funding for completed projects
- Failing to explain community need
- Providing unclear budgets
- Not demonstrating local community impact
- Proposing activities that replace statutory services
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
- Clearly describing the digital challenges faced by local people
- Explaining how the project improves access and confidence
- Showing strong community involvement
- Demonstrating measurable benefits
- Connecting digital support with existing community needs
- Providing a realistic and detailed budget
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026?
The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund provides grants to grassroots organisations in Greater Manchester that help communities overcome digital exclusion.
Who can apply for the fund?
Grassroots community organisations in Greater Manchester with annual income below £150,000 can apply.
How much funding is available?
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,500.
What types of projects are supported?
The fund supports projects that improve digital access, skills, online safety, technology availability, and access to online services.
Can existing community projects apply?
Yes. Digital inclusion activities can be part of existing community services, such as health groups, youth groups, foodbanks, and older people’s activities.
Can funding be used for completed projects?
No. The fund does not support activities that have already taken place or costs that have already been paid.
Does the project need to focus only on digital skills?
No. Projects can include digital access, technology support, online safety, digital employment training, or digital activities integrated into wider community services.
Conclusion
The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026 provides valuable support for grassroots organisations working to ensure everyone in Greater Manchester can participate in the digital world.
By funding community-led projects that improve access to technology, digital skills, and online services, the programme helps reduce digital inequality, strengthen communities, and create greater opportunities for residents across the region.
For more information, visit Forever Manchester.
