The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with the VS6 Partnership has launched the LCR Cares Digital Inclusion Fund to support community and voluntary organisations who are able to provide digital support and skills development for local residents who face additional social and economic barriers. The aim of the fund is to provide grants that either support practical digital skills engagement or capacity building for staff/volunteers to support provision (or a combination of both). Applicants must be based in Halton, Sefton or St Helens.
This fund aims to support specific disadvantaged beneficiary groups and to be eligible you must be working with one of the following:
• Young Care Leavers
• Asylum seekers/refugees
• Victims of domestic abuse
Some examples (not exhaustive) of what the fund can consider:
• Community venues that offer access to digital skills projects breaking down important issues such as using online financial and housing services
• Projects that help to improve awareness of cyber crime
• Training/accreditation for staff or volunteers to help them deliver digital inclusion courses
*Please note that this fund is not aimed at increasing capacity in terms of digital equipment or the creation of new digital spaces. If you are in need of support in respect of these we would recommend reviewing the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Grants, managed by VOLA Merseyside and details can be found here- https://volamerseyside.org.uk/ukspfgrants/
Who can apply?
Registered charities and constituted voluntary, community and faith organisations who are permanently based within the Halton, Sefton and St Helens and have been operating for at least 12 months.
How much is available?
Grants of up to £6000.
What cannot be funded?
- Individuals
- Organisations with less than 3 Trustees/Directors/Management Committee members
- Projects and activities classed as a statutory responsibility
- Private Businesses or CICs limited by shares
- Duplication- activities that are already funded by another funder
- Retrospective funding
- National organisations that cannot demonstrate local governance and control of local finances
- Politically connected or exclusively religious activities
How to apply?
Please visit the link below:
https://cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/lcr-cares-%E2%80%93-digital-inclusion-fund
and complete an online application form. Once you have submitted the online application you will need to send the documents listed below. You can attach the documents to your online application, or email them to applications@cflm.org.uk
Documents which need to be included with your application:
1. A copy of your governing document
2. A copy of your latest annual accounts or income/expenditure document
3. A copy of a recent bank statement for your group (dated within the last 3 months)
4. A list of your Trustees/Directors/Management Committee members
5. A copy of your current Safeguarding Policy. All applicants must ensure that they hold relevant policies and procedures in place to undertake activities, such as Criminal Records Bureau checks and/or a health and safety policy, depending on proposed activity. If unsure, we recommend taking advice from your local CVS/infrastructure organisation.
Closing date
Friday 29th September 2023 at 4pm