Fibrus opens £120k fund for rural community groups

Fibrus has launched the 2024 Community Fund where £120,000 will be available for rural community groups across Northern Ireland and Cumbria. 

Its focus will be on groups that address digital poverty and foster inclusivity within local communities, prioritising grassroots organisations that help older individuals and those aged 18 and under.  

The altnet has allocated £115k to local groups in Northern Ireland since launching the fund in 2021 with a further £60,000 allocated in Cumbria in 2023.

Linda McMillan, CPO at Fibrus, said: “Projects in Northern Ireland involved so far range from Armagh Westenders’ initiative, supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals with digital literacy programmes, to HYPE Learning’s homework club in Killicomaine, which received iPads to facilitate internet access for children after school. 

“In Cumbria the Fund has supported organisations including: Sight Advice South Lakes, Wigton Youth Station, Age UK South Lakeland and the Brathay Trust.”