The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund 2022

The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund is a new partnership between Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds City Council 100% Digital Leeds. The Fund supports Community Organisations to incorporate digital inclusion in their day-to-day work, in sustainable ways. 

In 2021, 22% of the UK population didn’t have the digital skills for everyday life (UK Consumer Digital Index from Lloyds Bank). By supporting Community Organisations to embed digital inclusion work throughout what they do, the Fund will mean people in Leeds will have the skills, support and equipment to be active online, now and in the future. 

In total, £50,000 was invested through the programme in the summer of 2022. 5 Community Organisations each received £10,000 for their work. The organisations that were awarded funding are: 

• • • • Burmantofts Senior Action CIO  
      • Meanwood Valley Urban Farm  
      • Smart Works Charity (Leeds)  

• • • • The Highrise Project  
      • Your Back Yard CIC   

These organisations will work to embed digital inclusion in a range of ways, including: 

• • • • Purchasing tech for people to use as part of their activities 

• • • • Setting up tech libraries and data gifting 
      • Training staff members and project participants to be ‘digital champions’ 
      • Incorporating digital skills training alongside other support and activities currently on offer 

Throughout their year-long grants, these organisations will also benefit from support from 100% Digital Leeds. By the end of the year, these organisations will be set up to continue supporting people with digital inclusion for a long time to come.