Fibrus Supports Communities with Almost £120k Fund for Northern Ireland & Cumbria

At Fibrus, we’re committed to supporting rural communities, whether it’s through our Full Fibre broadband rollout in rural towns and villages across Northern Ireland and Northern England, or through our sponsorship packages to groups and clubs around the country.

We’re proud to share that almost £120,000 has been donated to 66 community groups across Northern Ireland and Cumbria through our 2025 Fibrus Community Fund — helping to improve access to technology, tackle digital poverty, and ensure more people can get connected.

Delivered in partnership with The Community Foundation Northern Ireland and the Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund supports projects that promote digital inclusion in regional and rural communities. Since launching in 2021 in Northern Ireland and 2023 in Cumbria, we’ve provided over £410,000 to more than 230 community groups through the funds.

Community and rural inclusion are at the heart of our values here at Fibrus. The fund was created to help remove barriers to connectivity and ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the digital world. This year’s grants are already making a difference — from rural angling clubs to community-owned shops.

In Northern Ireland, 32 organisations shared £57,805 from the 2025 fund, including Sixtowns Cross Community Group, Newtownstewart Community Forum, and Bannagh Community Project. One recipient, Moyola Angling Association in Mid-Ulster, received £2,000 to purchase laptops for a community loan scheme and run digital workshops with local schools.

Explaining the impact, John McCombe, Honorary Treasurer at Moyola Angling Association, said:

Lots of our older members don’t have access to a computer or internet at home, so the ability to buy three new laptops will make a huge difference. Members will be able to go online, take part in Zoom meetings, or renew their fishing licence — building connections within the club and beyond.”

In Cumbria, 34 organisations received almost £60,000 in funding. A stand-out example is Hesket Newmarket Community Shop in the Northern Fells, which was recently taken into community ownership after a major fundraising effort. The shop received £2,000 to create a digital hub offering IT lessons, after-school activities, and a safe, warm space for residents during flooding or power outages.

Philippa Groves, Chair of the committee, said:
“We are delighted to receive this grant from Fibrus. It’s a facility we couldn’t otherwise have afforded, and it means we can offer after-school support, one-to-one IT tuition, and a place for people to come together and connect.”

Simon Hewitt, Vice Chair, added:
“The hub helps combat rural isolation and gives people the chance to learn new skills and build confidence online.”

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said:
“Fostering digital inclusion continues to be a priority for Fibrus, and we believe everyone should have access to essential digital services in Northern Ireland and Cumbria. We were blown away by the number of applications this year and are proud to support such outstanding local organisations.”

Orla Black, Director of Grants and Fund Development at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, added:
“The partnership with Fibrus is making a real difference on the ground. More communities are getting connected — whether through internet access, mobile devices, laptops, or tablets — and this latest round of funding has once again reached so many people.”

From fishing clubs to community shops, the 2025 Fibrus Community Fund is helping to remove barriers, boost digital skills, and strengthen community connections — ensuring that more people across Northern Ireland and Cumbria can enjoy the benefits of being connected.