Northern Ireland's full fibre broadband provider, Fibrus, has urged rural community groups to apply for its £60,000 2024 Community Fund.

Since launching in 2021, the company has dedicated £115,000 to support local groups in Northern Ireland through its fund. This sponsorship will continue throughout 2024, resulting in a total investment of £175,000 in the Fund. The primary focus remains on tackling digital poverty and nurturing inclusivity within local communities.

Projects involved so far range from Cushendun Building Preservation Trust, which used the funds to enhance its IT resources by purchasing tablets for members of the community, to Lislaird Highland Dancers in Castlederg, who installed broadband to their dance hall, allowing members to access vital teaching tutorials online with advanced teachers based in Scotland.

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Other community groups who have benefited from the Fibrus Fund include Armagh Westenders' initiative, supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals with digital literacy programmes and HYPE Learning's homework club in Killicomaine, which received iPads to facilitate internet access for children after school

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.

"It is so encouraging to see all the previous beneficiaries utilise this Fund in such a positive way for the community and we’re thrilled to offer it again in 2024. We have £60,000 to allocate to deserving organisations to help create a digitally inclusive society and we would encourage rural community groups to apply before it’s too late."

Orla Black, Grants Director at Community Foundation NI, stated: "It is so important we do all we can to bridge the digital divide and help our rural communities stay connected. With the support of the Fibrus Community Fund we can see first-hand the benefits that this funding brings to those rural groups right across the province. Last year saw some remarkable outcomes and we would encourage anyone interested to apply before the deadline."

Applications will close on Friday 17 May 2024.