There’s just a fews days left for community organisations to apply to get a share of a new £60,000 Cumbrian fund that could pay for tech equipment or projects to help with digital learning.

Full fibre broadband company Fibrus has launched its Community Fund Cumbria in April with the aim of supporting a range of organisations, projects and local groups that are working to improve digital skills in rural areas.

It is being run in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation.

The closing date for the first phase of grants is Friday June 16.

The kind of projects that are eligible for funding include those that provide access to a range of digital devices like laptops, tablets, iPads, and smartphones, workshops or courses that enable people to use a range of available digital services, and those that provide access to enhance connections with others such as a community-use internet hub, or internet café.

There is a particular focus on projects that provide digital support for children, young people and older people.

The fund’s main goal is to support those experiencing digital poverty in rural areas, with a particular focus on grassroots organisations and community groups.

Successful grants will be allocated to support on-the-ground digital technology projects which make key differences to communities, enhancing people’s lives and well-being.

Fibrus Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Kearns said: “Fibrus is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate.

“We will invest £60,000 in the Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria in 2023, to give back to some of the organisations doing wonderful work to enhance and support towns and villages across Cumbria.”

Fibrus launched a similar fund via the Community Foundation Northern Ireland in September 2021, which has provided a total contribution of £120,000.

Some examples of the projects supported so far include the provision of devices to help children with special needs communicate in a way more comfortable for them, and iPads for young people to support with education.

To learn more information or to apply to the fund visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/fibrus-community-fund-cumbria/