Digital Divide Grants
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has identified a policy need to develop digital skills training at a regional level and align the training to resident needs and the regional economy.
Within the Digital Roadmap, WMCA set out our broad vision for Digital across five key areas to include securing access for everyone to digital opportunities, particularly those in poverty. Our aims include:
- Ensure Everyone has access to an affordable device and connection and feels confident to access the internet and basic services.
- Ensure everyone can access digital jobs, particularly young people, and those at risk of redundancy.
- Ensure the supply of digital skills meets demands.
WMCA is seeking to award grants to community organisations, with the intention to fund a minimum of two organisations per WMCA constituent Local Authority. WMCA intends to support in total 2800 residents across the first phase of the Digital Divide project.
What are the benefits?
Digital inclusion brings wider benefits to residents. The intention of this grant funding opportunity is to develop a routeway from first contact to a device, to accredited learning and ultimately good employment, reducing Digital Exclusion levels, through funding the Community organisations to provide the below connection.
Now you can get involved – here’s how
WMCA is seeking to award grants to community organisations, with the intention to fund a minimum of two organisations per WMCA constituent Local Authority. The delivery within each Local Authority will engage with 400 residents across a 20-month period from December 2024 to July 2026.
WMCA are welcoming applications for Digital Divide grants from Voluntary Community Sector Organisations with applications for this opportunity closing on 1st November 2024 at 5pm.
To contact us. please email: skillksprogrammes@wmca.org.uk