In today’s digital world, access to technology is essential for education, employment, and social inclusion. However, many individuals and families continue to face digital exclusion due to a lack of devices, limited technical support, or low digital literacy.
To address this, funding will support Virgin Media O2’s Social Value commitments, delivered in partnership with Lewisham Local, with a shared commitment to closing the digital divide within the local community. The initiative will provide digital devices, technical support, and training to help ensure everyone has the tools and confidence to participate fully in an increasingly digital society.
The funding pot is made up of contributions from Virgin Media O2 and underspent funding from Lewisham Local’s previous Digital Inclusion project, which was originally supported by Lewisham Council. This combined investment will help extend the reach and impact of this vital work.
The funding could help with:
Access to Devices
Providing new or refurbished laptops, tablets, and smartphones to individuals and families who lack the resources to purchase essential digital tools.
Device and IT Support
Offering practical, technical assistance to help users set up devices, resolve common issues, and confidently use technology for everyday tasks.
Digital Skills Development
Delivering accessible training programmes that build digital literacy from basic internet use to more advanced skills like Microsoft Office, coding, AI, and cybersecurity to improve education, socialisation and employment.
A total funding pot of £7,250 is available, from which up to four grants of a maximum of £1,800 each will be awarded.
Application Deadline: 4 August 2025, 6pm
Eligibility Criteria:
Applications can be from one organisation or a partnership where local projects are coming together. For partnerships, a lead organisation should be responsible for completing the application and for all monitoring requirements.
The following organisations are eligible to apply:
- A constituted group with a volunteer management committee with a minimum of three unrelated members that meets on a regular basis (at least three times per year)
- Registered charity, with a board of trustees
- Charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)
- Community interest company (CIC)
- Community benefit society (CBS)
Community interest company (CIC) or Company Limited by Guarantee (that are not registered charities) will be asked for your Community Interest Statement, details of the Asset Lock included in Memorandum and Articles of Association, a copy of latest annual community interest report and minimum of three unrelated directors with no one director with more than 50% control
How to Apply:
Download the documents:
Apply Online:
Click this link to complete and submit your application digitally
For any clarification, please email funding@lewishamlocal.com