Applications for Fibrus Community Fund are now open
2 weeks ago • 1 min read
We've launched the 2024 Community Fund for rural community groups across Northern Ireland and Cumbria.
Today, we’ve launched the 2024 Community Fund where £120,000 will be available for rural community groups across Northern Ireland and Cumbria.
We’ve allocated £115k to local groups in Northern Ireland since launching the fund in 2021 with a further £60,000 allocated in Cumbria in 2023, and we’ll continue its sponsorship throughout 2024, with a focus on addressing digital poverty and fostering inclusivity within local communities.
Here at Fibrus, we make fibre broadband more accessible in regional and rural towns and villages across Northern Ireland and Northern England, prioritises grassroots organisations, helping older individuals and those aged 18 and under.
Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said: “Giving back to the local community is one of our core missions at Fibrus and our partnership with the Community Foundation allows us to play a vital role in enhancing people’s lives through improved digital literacy and connectivity.
“Originally established to combat digital poverty, the Fibrus Community Fund directs all available funding for the year towards deserving organisations, underlining our dedication to create a digitally inclusive society. We are delighted to continue this sponsorship in 2024 and help all within our community get connected.”
Projects in Northern Ireland involved so far range from Armagh Westenders’ initiative, supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals with digital literacy programmes, to HYPE Learning’s homework club in Killicomaine, which received iPads to facilitate internet access for children after school. In Cumbria the Fund has supported organisations including: Sight Advice South Lakes, Wigton Youth Station, Age UK South Lakeland and the Brathay Trust.
Coleraine-based Ballinrees Bowling Club received £1,640 to enhance their IT resources and offer IT classes, addressing the digital skills gap in both younger and older members of the rural community.
Heather Calvin, Quality Assurance Assessor at the Ballinrees Bowling Club, said: “Fibrus is doing excellent work in ensuring all areas, including the most rural, across Northern Ireland are connected with its full fibre broadband, a huge benefit in helping a club like ours get online. This sponsorship has been incredibly beneficial to our local community with the funds enabling us to purchase two laptops and three tablets.
“We also hired an IT professional to support members of the local community and conduct classes, which were well-received by everyone involved. We’ve received so much positive feedback from those who benefited from the funding and we would encourage everyone who can benefit from full fibre broadband to take advantage of any future funding available.”
Cumbrian based The Riverside Group provides social housing, care and support services to local communities and received funding to launch a new IT Club at their Eden Rural Foyer in Penrith. The grant will be used to address digital poverty and support people with complex needs or those who are based in a rural area where the need for IT provision and tuition is limited.
Emilia Szulc, Resource Center Co-ordinator at Riverside Group, said: “The grant will enable our hub to offer digital skills provision focused on building people’s skills and confidence as well as help with access to the internet.
“Each week we are getting enquiries from our previous learners and new customers seeking advice and help with IT . . . We know there is a need for the project as there is no other free IT support available in the area.”
Orla Black, Grants Director at Community Foundation NI, said: “We are delighted to have Fibrus onboard again this year to help rural communities stay connected. Addressing digital exclusion is a priority for the Community Foundation NI and this fund is tackling the issue head on.
“The opportunities facilitated by the Fibrus Community Fund, such as purchasing devices for online access and enhancing computer skills, will certainly strengthen connectivity within these communities. The remarkable outcomes achieved last year demonstrate the fund’s efficacy, and we are looking forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities in the upcoming year.”
Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The grants provided by the Fibrus Community Fund can be life changing.
“They can pay for devices that help young people with schoolwork or to apply for their first job, for example, and enable older people to access online services and stay connected with family and friends through Skype or Zoom.”
The next round of funding is now open and will close on Friday 17th May 2024.
Learn more about the Community Fund Northern Ireland here.
Learn more about the Community Fund Cumbria here.