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The Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund

The Fund is focused on supporting initiatives that enable individuals to gain confidence in digital technology and help to create pathways into employment in tech

About the fund

The Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund is focused on supporting initiatives that enable individuals to gain confidence in digital technology and help to create pathways into employment in tech.

 

As the Community Foundation’s Vital Signs report on Access 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. Therefore, we have an opportunity to narrow the digital divide by funding organisations that are able to directly support those most excluded by these barriers.

Who the funds supports

The fund looks for innovative ideas that meet the needs of individuals and increase the positive impact for the region’s tech ecosystem and wider population.  Applications should come from voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations. Some examples of what might be considered for support include:

 

  • Organisations and programmes which engage vulnerable or marginalised groups in skills and educational activities to boost people’s confidence in using technology
  • Programmes which support and inspire marginalised groups to build a pathway into work within the technology sector
  • Organisations and programmes which deliver effective advocacy around digital inclusion with a clear focus on helping communities in the North East of England

The Fund’s geographic focus is North East and Tees Valley.

 

If you or your company would like to donate to this fund, please contact John Hollingsworth using the form at the bottom of the page or by calling 0191 222 0945.

 

Information on the opportunity to apply for grants from this fund with be published in April 2025.

What is Dynamo North East?

As a prominent voice in the tech sector at both regional and national levels, Dynamo leverages its community to proactively engage in advocacy efforts to position the North East as a hub for the growth of tech and digital companies. Dynamo members range from large-scale tech organisations and government representatives to start-ups and industry supporters from various sectors, all committed to growing the region’s tech sector and encouraging collaboration.

 

Dynamo’s members and supporters fund and fuel our activities, which allows us to collectively elevate the North East of England tech sector. Together, Dynamo and its members are on a mission to build a strong tech ecosystem to enable the North East of England to be the best place to start and/or grow a tech business.

More information is available on Dynamo’s website