Apply now for Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria (UK)

Deadline: 16-Oct-2026

The Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria provides grants of normally up to £1,500 to charitable and not-for-profit organisations working to reduce digital exclusion in specified areas of Cumbria. The fund focuses particularly on older people aged 60 and above and young people aged 18 and under, supporting projects that provide digital devices, improve internet access, and build digital skills so vulnerable residents can participate more fully in education, employment and community life. The Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria was established by Fibrus in 2023 to address digital poverty in selected communities across Cumbria. The fund recognises that some people face barriers to accessing modern technology and digital services. These barriers can affect their ability to: The programme aims to support people who are digitally excluded and help them become and remain connected. Grants will normally be up to £1,500. This is approximately equivalent to $1,900 USD. The funding can support practical activities that directly address digital exclusion among eligible beneficiaries.

Examples include:

The fund particularly focuses on vulnerable groups experiencing digital exclusion.

Priority is given to projects supporting:

Projects should clearly demonstrate how they will help beneficiaries become more digitally connected. The Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria supports projects designed to address identified digital access and digital skills gaps.

Potential activities include:

Funding can help organisations provide access to technology such as: These devices can help beneficiaries access education, employment opportunities, online services and social connections. Organisations can use funding to establish community-based internet access points that help people who do not have suitable connectivity or equipment at home. Funding can support workshops and training activities that help beneficiaries develop the skills needed to use digital technologies confidently. Training may help participants become more independent when accessing online resources and services.

Eligible applicants are:

Applicants should demonstrate a clear need for support and explain how the proposed project will address digital challenges experienced by local beneficiaries. Projects must benefit people living in the specified eligible postcodes within Cumbria. The fund is focused on particular communities rather than all areas of Cumbria. Organisations located outside the listed eligible postcodes may still be considered if their proposed project directly benefits people living within the eligible areas. Applicants should therefore check the eligible postcode requirements before applying. Priority is given to first-time applicants. Organisations applying for the first time should clearly explain: The fund has a particular focus on older people and young people. Applicants working with these groups should clearly explain the specific digital barriers beneficiaries face and how the proposed project will help overcome them. Applicants should focus on demonstrating a clear connection between the identified digital challenge, the proposed activities and the expected benefits.

A strong application should explain:

Applicants should ensure that requested resources are directly connected to the project’s digital inclusion objectives. A relatively small grant can help organisations provide practical digital support to people who lack access to technology or digital skills.

For example, funding could help:

The specific activities should reflect the needs of the intended beneficiaries.

Applicants should avoid:

Applicants should ensure that:

The Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria is a community funding programme established in 2023 to support projects addressing digital poverty and exclusion in specified areas of Cumbria. Grants will normally be up to £1,500, approximately equivalent to $1,900 USD. Charitable and not-for-profit organisations can apply. Projects can support digital inclusion activities such as providing laptops, tablets or smartphones, establishing community internet hubs and delivering digital skills training. Priority is given to older people aged 60 and over and young people aged 18 and under, particularly those experiencing digital exclusion. Projects must benefit people living within the specified eligible postcodes in Cumbria. They may be considered if their proposed projects benefit people living within the specified eligible areas. Yes. Priority is given to first-time applicants. Yes. Examples of eligible digital devices include laptops, tablets and smartphones, provided the expenditure supports the project’s digital inclusion objectives. Yes. Training workshops designed to strengthen digital skills can be supported. Applicants should demonstrate a clear need for support and explain how the proposed resources and activities will address digital challenges experienced by beneficiaries. The Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria provides normally up to £1,500 for charitable and not-for-profit organisations working to reduce digital exclusion in specified communities across Cumbria. By supporting digital devices, internet access and digital skills training, the fund aims to help older people, young people and other vulnerable residents become more connected and better able to access the opportunities and services available through digital technology. For more information, visit Cumbria Community Foundation.