UKSPF Community Digital Inclusion Project

Following the successful creation and improvement of 22 new digital spaces across Bolton, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Bolton Council, are once again pleased to be able to offer grant funding opportunities and skills support to organisations, for a project that aims to promote and extend support for digital inclusion across Bolton.

The project seeks to:

• Help to set up a network of ‘community drop-ins’ to provide digital help and skills development and tackle digital exclusion.
• Provide Bolton residents with access to devices and connectivity.
• Help to recruit, train and support digital volunteers in community settings.

Small grant of up to £4000 are available for organisations to purchase digital tech, improve connectivity or increase accesibility within their venues to support the delivery of Essential Digital Skills in safe, welcoming and accessible venues, via drop-in and one to one services.

Criteria for funding:

• Must be a constituted VCSE organisation with demonstrable financial accountability.
• Must have a local community need and commitment to combat Digital Exclusion.
• Must have a publicly accessible venue suitable to deliver regular digital provision.
• Must adhere to UKSPF Award Funding Grant Agreement Project Specifications.
• Must be able to participate as a member of the Bolton Digital Inclusion Partnership
• Must not be in receipt of any other UKSPF Digital Project Funding.

Applications for the funding are based upon Expressions of Interest emails, and must cover the following brief:

• any existing digital offer you have in place
• the proposed community digital service you wish to create or improve
• a plan for sustainability after the UKSPF project end date
• and a basic outline of equipment/logistics/furniture needed

For more information on the criteria and project goals, or to submit an Expression of Interest, please contact christopher.holden@bolton.gov.uk.