Fibrus celebrates £1 million investment in local communities

This milestone reflects the growing impact of Fibrus’ commitment and support to communities, helping local groups, sports clubs and charities across the regions it serves.

Colin Hutchinson, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Fibrus, said:

Reaching this £1 million milestone is a defining moment for Fibrus. From day one, we’ve believed our role goes beyond delivering full fibre broadband – it’s about strengthening the communities we serve.

The level of demand we see each year shows just how important these funding platforms are to grassroots groups, sports clubs and community organisations. We’re proud of the difference these programmes are making and look forward to supporting even more communities in the years ahead.”

A key part of this investment has been delivered through the Fibrus Community Fund, launched in 2021 to tackle digital poverty and promote inclusion in rural communities. Delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Northern Ireland and Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund has supported a wide range of grassroots initiatives including youth programmes, community learning projects and digital equipment for local groups.

Reflecting on the impact the funding is having across Northern Ireland, Orla Black, Director of Grants and Fund Development at Community Foundation Northern Ireland, said:

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland would like to congratulate Fibrus on reaching this impressive milestone. Their continued commitment to community building through this investment is making a real difference in communities across the region, from rural clubs gaining essential equipment to young people accessing digital tools they otherwise wouldn’t have.

The fund is also helping tackle digital exclusion and support vulnerable communities across Cumbria. Lisa Blackwell, Grants and Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, added:

Congratulations to Fibrus on this incredible milestone. Reducing digital poverty is crucial in tackling the digital divide and improving opportunities and wellbeing across communities. Grants from the Fibrus Community Fund have helped provide digital equipment and learning opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Sport and youth development have also been supported through the Play It Forward Fund, which has invested more than £185,000 across both regions since launching in 2023. Beneficiaries include clubs and programmes such as Ski Ability NI, helping young people stay active and connected through sport.

In Cumbria, Fibrus also partnered with Cumbria Wildlife Trust on the Get Cumbria Buzzing, Not Buffering initiative, restoring wildflower meadows to support pollinators and biodiversity.

Alongside its funding programmes, Fibrus colleagues also support local causes through the company’s Charities of the Year initiative. Charities including PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Hospice and Cancer Fund for Children have benefited from colleague-led fundraising, with over £75,000 raised to date.

As Fibrus continues to grow, community investment will remain central to its approach – ensuring the benefits of digital connectivity extend beyond infrastructure and into the communities it serves.