Open Call: Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026 (United Kingdom)

The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026 provides grants of up to £2,500 to grassroots community organisations across Greater Manchester that are working to reduce digital exclusion. Delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester, the fund supports projects that improve digital access, build digital skills, increase online safety, and help people connect with essential services and opportunities.

Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026

The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026 supports small community organisations that are helping residents across Greater Manchester overcome digital exclusion. The programme funds projects that improve access to technology, develop digital skills, and enable people to participate confidently in an increasingly digital world.

The fund recognises that digital inclusion is essential for accessing education, employment, healthcare, financial services, and social connections. It encourages organisations to deliver dedicated digital projects or integrate digital support into their existing community services.

About the Programme

The programme is delivered through a partnership between Autotrader and Forever Manchester to strengthen digital inclusion within local communities.

Its objectives include:

• Improving access to digital technology.
• Reducing digital exclusion.
• Supporting community-led digital initiatives.
• Building digital confidence and skills.
• Helping people access essential online services.
• Promoting digital participation across all age groups.
• Reducing social isolation through technology.
• Supporting safer use of the internet.

The programme is designed to help organisations respond to the specific digital needs of their local communities.

Funding Available

Eligible organisations can apply for:

• Grants of up to £2,500.

Funding may support both:

• Standalone digital inclusion projects.
• Existing community programmes that incorporate digital support activities.

Eligible Activities

Funding can be used for a wide range of community-led digital inclusion initiatives, including:

• Digital skills workshops and training sessions.
• Community digital literacy programmes.
• Employment-focused digital skills training for young people.
• Distribution of refurbished computers and digital devices.
• Improving access to technology for disadvantaged residents.
• Projects that reduce social isolation through digital connectivity.
• Making community information available through digital platforms.
• Helping older people learn digital skills.
• Supporting access to online healthcare information and appointments.
• Helping people access welfare advice and financial support online.
• Teaching young people about online safety.
• Digital support integrated into foodbanks, pantries, health groups, youth clubs, and other community services.

The programme encourages flexible approaches that respond to local community needs.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

• Grassroots community organisations.
• Locally managed community groups.
• Organisations working directly within Greater Manchester communities.
• Organisations with an annual income of less than £150,000.

Applicants should demonstrate that their work improves digital access, participation, or inclusion within their local communities.

Ineligible Activities

The fund does not support:

• Activities that have already taken place.
• Costs that have already been paid.
• Contributions to major fundraising appeals.
• Political campaigning or activities promoting political beliefs.
• Religious activities intended to promote religious beliefs.
• Services that are the responsibility of statutory public authorities.

Applicants should ensure their project aligns with the programme’s funding priorities before applying.

How to Apply

Organisations should prepare a clear proposal explaining how their project will improve digital inclusion within their community.

Follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
2. Develop a project that addresses digital exclusion.
3. Prepare a detailed description of planned activities.
4. Explain the expected community impact.
5. Prepare a realistic project budget.
6. Demonstrate how the project supports local digital inclusion.
7. Complete the official application form.
8. Review the application for completeness.
9. Submit the application before the deadline.

Applicants should clearly explain how funding will directly benefit the people they serve.

Why This Fund Matters

Digital access has become essential for everyday life, including education, employment, healthcare, communication, and financial wellbeing.

The programme helps communities by:

• Reducing digital inequality.
• Improving access to online services.
• Increasing digital confidence.
• Supporting employment opportunities.
• Reducing loneliness and isolation.
• Helping older adults remain connected.
• Supporting young people’s online safety.
• Strengthening community resilience through digital participation.

By investing in grassroots organisations, the fund ensures that digital inclusion support reaches people who need it most.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly identifying the digital challenges faced by their community.
• Demonstrating measurable community impact.
• Explaining how funding will improve digital access or skills.
• Providing a realistic and well-planned budget.
• Showing experience in delivering community services.
• Explaining how digital support will be sustained after the project.
• Demonstrating strong community engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying for activities that have already been completed.
• Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Failing to explain community need.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets.
• Missing required supporting information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026?

Grassroots community organisations based in Greater Manchester with an annual income of less than £150,000.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations may apply for grants of up to £2,500.

Can funding support existing community projects?

Yes. Existing community programmes may receive funding if they incorporate digital inclusion activities alongside their primary services.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports digital skills training, technology access, online safety education, digital employment support, distribution of refurbished computers, and other community-led digital inclusion initiatives.

Can funding be used for activities that have already taken place?

No. The fund does not support retrospective costs or activities that have already been completed or paid for.

Who delivers the programme?

The programme is delivered by Autotrader in partnership with Forever Manchester.

Why is digital inclusion important?

Digital inclusion enables people to access education, employment, healthcare, financial services, welfare support, and social connections while reducing digital inequality and social isolation.

Conclusion

The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund 2026 provides valuable funding for grassroots organisations working to bridge the digital divide across Greater Manchester. By supporting community-led digital inclusion initiatives, the programme helps improve access to technology, strengthen digital skills, reduce social isolation, and ensure that more people can participate fully in today’s increasingly digital society.