Community groups across Northern Ireland are being invited to apply for grant support as Fibrus Broadband opens a £30,000 funding round to help local organisations tackle digital exclusion, delivered in partnership with Community Foundation NI.
Among the groups to benefit from last year's fund was 1st Portrush Brownies, who used its funding of £1,416 to buy four iPads and protective covers to support digital activities for their growing unit of 24 girls on the north coast. The tablets have opened a wider range of creative and collaborative sessions within the group's weekly programme, from film making and video projects to interactive quizzes and badge work.
Ayla Sims, Unit Leader, 1st Portrush Brownies said: "We are grateful for this support from Fibrus, which will make a meaningful difference for the girls in our Brownie Unit. Our unit has grown significantly, and the iPads will allow the girls to work in small groups to engage in a range of creative, collaborative and girl-led tasks, from making Lego Stop-Motion Movies and promotional videos to interactive quizzes, badge work, and navigating trails in our local area. The funding allows us to continue delivering a high-quality, modern programme that builds confidence and digital skills while strengthening teamwork and communication."
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Since the programme launched in 2021, Fibrus has donated £230,000 to community groups across Northern Ireland, supporting initiatives designed to reduce digital poverty, build confidence and improve inclusion in rural areas. Once this latest round is allocated, total support through the fund will reach £260,000.
The fund forms part of Fibrus’ wider commitment to the communities it serves through its Full Fibre broadband rollout across regional and rural towns and villages in Northern Ireland and Northern England. Alongside network investment, the company provides support for grassroots clubs through its Play It Forward Fund, as well as local organisations and community projects through multiple funding and sponsorship packages.
Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus said: "Access to digital technology can make a real difference to the way community groups operate, support their members and create new opportunities for local people. That is why the Fibrus Community Fund continues to be such an important part of our work in the communities we serve.
"This year, a further £30,000 will go directly to local organisations that are helping people build skills, confidence and connections through digital access. We are proud to work with Community Foundation NI again to ensure that practical support reaches groups making a genuine difference.”
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Richard Rogers, Grants Manager at Community Foundation NI said: "We are pleased to continue our partnership with Fibrus to once again deliver the Fibrus Community Fund. Over the years, we have met several of the groups that have received funding and heard directly about the positive impact it has made. From helping people get online to building confidence using digital technology, these projects are making a real difference in people's lives.
"It is clear how much this support is valued in communities, and we are proud to work alongside Fibrus to invest in projects that help people stay connected and access opportunities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this year's funding will have across our communities."
Applications are open now and will close on 16 October 2026 at 1pm. To learn more about how to apply to the Fibrus Community Fund, please visit: The Fibrus Community Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland
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