Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund

About Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund

The Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund is focused on supporting initiatives that enable individuals to gain confidence in digital technology and help to create and inspire pathways into employment in the technology sector and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

As the Community Foundation’s Vital Signs research highlights, many people in the North East, including those affected by social and economic disadvantages, see digital advances as a barrier in their lives. In some cases, the challenges are practical ones, such as rural isolation or poor availability of technology infrastructure in a community. For others, it can be a matter of unfamiliarity, lack of confidence using digital tools, or even anxiety about using technology.

The Fund aims to narrow the digital divide by funding organisations that can directly support those most excluded by these barriers.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

Charity and community organisations based and working in the North East Combined Authority local authority areas (County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland).

Please note that our normal grant making eligibility will apply so please see details on our website ( Funding and Support Grants | Community Foundation).

What is the grant to be used for?

Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded to organisations that can provide innovative and/or pilot schemes or programmes in any of the following areas:

• engaging vulnerable or socially and economically disadvantaged communities in skill- building and educational activities that increase digital confidence and capability; or
• inspiring and supporting underrepresented groups to access pathways into employment within the technology sector; or
• delivering targeted advocacy and practical support around digital inclusion, with a clear focus on empowering local communities.

Exclusions: Please note that the Fund will not support the purchase of any IT equipment or connectivity equipment (this includes items such as SIM cards-if you need this support, the Digital Poverty Alliance may be able to help SIM card request – Digital Poverty Alliance).

How to apply

Applications will be made by Expression of Interest (EOI). The EOI should be no more than two sides of A4 and a maximum of 500 words and should include:

• a description of the innovative and/or pilot scheme or programme in one (or more) of the three areas listed above;
• details on who you will support and how will you know that the work has been successful; and
• a clear and costed proposal.

In addition to the EOI, the following documents will need to be sent for your organisation:

• a bank statement no more than three months old;
• your current governing document;
• your latest accounts;
• your current safeguarding policies; and
• if you are a CIC (community interest company) or other social enterprise a plan explaining how the organisation is or aims to be financially resilient with trading as a core part of its income

Your EOI and requested documents should be emailed to km@communityfoundation.org.uk.

The deadline for submitting your EOI is 5pm Friday 13 June.

Applicants will be notified by email if they have been successful or not by mid-July.