The government has launched the £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, calling on local councils and charities to help more people get online. Right now, around 1.6 million people in the UK are still completely offline, and nearly 8 million adults lack even the most basic digital skills.
Being offline has real consequences. People without access to the internet often pay more for essentials, struggle to access services, and miss out on opportunities that many of us take for granted. The government estimates that those without internet access can end up paying as much as 25% more for everyday services. This new fund is designed to change that, with grants between £25,000 and £500,000 available for community-led projects across England.
At Visually Thinking, we see this as a moment where business and technology support can make a real difference.
How we can help
Securing funding isn’t just about having a good idea. Projects need to be well thought through, realistic, and show how they’ll make a lasting impact. That’s where we can support councils, charities, and community organisations:
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Project planning
We help shape projects so they meet both local needs and funder expectations, making sure ideas are clear, structured, and deliverable. -
Choosing the right tools
There’s no shortage of digital platforms out there, but not all of them are right for every situation. We guide organisations to the simplest, most cost-effective options—whether that’s systems for running training sessions, managing donated devices, or setting up community hubs. -
Building skills
Handing out devices is only part of the solution. Confidence and skills matter just as much. We help create straightforward training approaches, and support staff and volunteers to pass those skills on. -
Measuring impact
Funders want to see evidence. We set up practical ways to track outcomes—how many people gained confidence, how many can now access services, and what difference it’s made to daily life. This strengthens not just the current project but also future bids. -
Partnerships
Often, the best projects are collaborative. We help organisations link up with others locally—whether schools, housing associations, or employers—so that efforts aren’t duplicated and resources go further.
What success could look like
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A community centre running weekly drop-in “digital cafés” where residents learn how to shop online or compare utility bills.
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A charity refurbishing and redistributing laptops, supported by a simple system to manage volunteers and recipients.
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A council creating a shared digital skills programme across libraries, schools, and local services.
These ideas don’t need to be complicated, but they do need to be designed with care to be effective and sustainable.
Why act now
This fund won’t be open forever, and competition is likely to be high. Councils and charities that can show a clear plan, a realistic budget, and measurable outcomes will be the ones that succeed. Getting the structure right from the start makes all the difference.
Final thoughts
Digital exclusion isn’t just about missing out on social media. It affects access to healthcare, education, work, and even basic financial security. The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund is a real opportunity to close that gap.
At Visually Thinking, we help organisations turn good ideas into projects that work. From planning and funding applications through to technology choices and delivery, we make sure initiatives are practical, scalable, and sustainable.
If you’re a council, charity, or community group considering an application, now is the time to start shaping your bid—and we’d be happy to support you.