Northern Ireland's full fibre broadband provider, Fibrus, has launched its 2024 Community Fund where £60,000 of funding will be available for rural community groups.

Since the fund's launch in 2021, the company has dedicated £115,000 to support local groups in Northern Ireland. This sponsorship will continue into 2024, with a primary focus on tackling digital poverty and promoting inclusivity within local communities.

Fibrus, which make fibre broadband more accessible in regional and rural towns and villages across Northern Ireland and Northern England, prioritises grassroots organisations, helping older individuals and those aged 18 and under.

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said:

"Giving back to the local community is one of our core missions at Fibrus and our partnership with the Community Foundation NI allows us to play a vital role in enhancing people’s lives through improved digital literacy and connectivity.

"Originally established to combat digital poverty, the Fibrus Community Fund directs all available funding for the year towards deserving organisations, underlining our dedication to create a digitally inclusive society. We are delighted to continue this sponsorship in 2024 and help all within our community get connected."

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Projects undertaken so far range from the Armagh Westenders' effort, aiding elderly and vulnerable individuals through digital literacy programs, to HYPE Learning's homework club in Killicomaine. The latter received iPads to facilitate internet access for children post-school hours.

Coleraine-based Ballinrees Bowling Club received £1,640 to improve their IT resources and offer IT classes, addressing the digital skills gap in both younger and older members of the rural community. Heather Calvin, Quality Assurance Assessor at the Ballinrees Bowling Club, commented: "Fibrus is doing excellent work in ensuring all areas, including the most rural, across Northern Ireland are connected with its full fibre broadband, a huge benefit in helping a club like ours get online. This sponsorship has been incredibly beneficial to our local community with the funds enabling us to purchase two laptops and three tablets.

"We also hired an IT professional to support members of the local community and conduct classes, which were well-received by everyone involved. We’ve received so much positive feedback from those who benefited from the funding and we would encourage everyone who can benefit from full fibre broadband to take advantage of any future funding available."

Orla Black, Grants Director at Community Foundation NI, stated:

"We are delighted to have Fibrus onboard again this year to help rural communities stay connected. Addressing digital exclusion is a priority for the Community Foundation NI and this fund is tackling the issue head on.

"The opportunities facilitated by the Fibrus Community Fund, such as purchasing devices for online access and enhancing computer skills, will certainly strengthen connectivity within these communities. The remarkable outcomes achieved last year demonstrate the fund’s efficacy, and we are looking forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities in the upcoming year."

The next round of funding is now open and will close on Friday, 17 May 2024.