Virgin Money Foundation has announced a new round of funding aimed at enabling digital inclusion across Glasgow and the North East of England. This takes the total funding for tackling digital poverty provided by the Foundation to over £3 million since 2024, with the grants expected to support over 62,000 people since the funding programmes began.
Supporting a range of initiatives, the newly awarded £836k of funding will support community led organisations to provide digital skills training for young people, provide access to devices to get online for low-income families, and support projects aimed at reducing digital exclusion in Glasgow and across the North East of England.
Two of the organisations to benefit from the funding are Justice Prince CIC and Govan Youth Information Project, which have received funding of £100,000 and £77,076 respectively.
Justice Prince CIC, a community interest group in Newcastle, will use the new funding to enable digital inclusion in the local Longbenton community. They are committed to tackling social, economic and environmental inequality and plan to use the award to fund their DISC (Digital Inclusion, Skills and Confidence) Project, which will offer tailored support, including one-on-one sessions and group workshops. The project aims to increase digital skills, confidence and build financial resilience to enhance people's ability to better manage their daily lives using online tools.
Julie Cruddas, development director at Justice Prince CIC, said: "Justice Prince CIC is overjoyed to receive a three-year grant of £100,000 from Virgin Money Foundation, which provides security and allows us to strategically plan our services going forward.
“The grant will enable us to support at least 100 residents suffering from digital exclusion, helping them get online and build their digital skills and confidence. Our services will tackle the digital divide, ensuring residents have the best possible support, leading to lasting change within the community."
The Govan Youth Information Project (GYIP), from Glasgow, focuses on empowering the community by providing digital skills training, online access support, and educational workshops. They help individuals navigate the digital world, access free data plans, and use resources like scanning and printing.
Kevin Burke, project manager at Govan Youth Information Project said: "This generous support from the Virgin Money Foundation Building Digital Skills fund will enable us to enhance our digital capabilities and cover staffing costs, allowing us to assist community members in getting online, completing forms and navigating the digital world. We will also provide guidance on using software packages to build their digital skills.
“Additionally, we are launching an ambitious program with and for young people. Using VR technology, we plan to develop relevant workshops on topics such as drugs and alcohol, allowing participants to experience real-life scenarios in a safe environment and understand the consequences of substance misuse. Through these initiatives, we aim to support our community in becoming more digitally included and provide engaging training to help them make better choices."
Nancy Doyle-Hall, executive director at Virgin Money Foundation said: "Digital exclusion deepens inequalities, but it can be solved. Virgin Money Foundation is proud to support charities tackling this issue and bringing positive change to their communities. “
“With this latest round of grants, we aim to ensure these communities have the digital access and skills they need to thrive. We are fully supportive of the national movement towards digital inclusion, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to participate fully in the digital age."
Chris Rhodes, chief executive officer at Virgin Money, emphasised the critical importance of digital inclusion for both customers and the wider society: “At Virgin Money we recognise that financial inclusion and digital inclusion are intrinsically linked. That is why we are proud to support the Virgin Money Foundation as it strives to improve digital skills and access across Glasgow and the North East.”
Virgin Money Foundation’s digital inclusion programmes aligns closely with the UK Government's Digital Action Plan, which emphasises the importance of local-level support, skills enhancement, breaking down barriers to digital services, and building confidence among digitally excluded groups.
The Foundation’s Digital Champion Volunteer Programme also complements the Government’s goal of building digital confidence by mobilising community engagement to help individuals develop digital skills and overcome barriers.
In Glasgow the funding is in partnership with HFD Charitable Foundation.
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Notes to Editors
Media contacts
Tel: 0800 066 5998
Email: press.office@virginmoney.com
Beneficiary charities:
| Region | Organisation Name | Funding award |
| North East England | Blyth Resource and Information Centre | £91,363 |
|---|---|---|
| Justice Prince CIC | £100,000 | |
| Edberts House | £99,858 | |
| Total | £291,221 | |
| Glasgow | Crossroads Youth and Community Association | £99,982 |
| Govan Youth Information Project | £77,076 | |
| LINKES | £100,000 | |
| Castlemilk Law & Money Advice Centre | £77,759 | |
| Community Central Hall | £99,968 | |
| Crookston Community Group | £90,157 | |
| Total | £544,942 | |
| Total | £836,163 |
About the Virgin Money Foundation
Since 2015, the Virgin Money Foundation has awarded over £16 million to local charities working to create positive change in their community. It invests in neighbourhood level organisations – those that know their community best and what is needed to tackle the issues that hold them back. Funding has been targeted at communities located in the top 20% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation and focused upon the North East of England and the City of Glasgow.
The Foundation has learnt from organisations in these communities about the issues that, if addressed, would result in positive change for the local community. One of these issues is digital poverty and over the next few years, the Foundation will be working to support organisations to make a real and lasting difference in their neighbourhood by enabling digital inclusion.
The Virgin Money Foundation. Charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 9457101. Charity No. 1161290 and SC050400 in Scotland Registered Office: Jubilee House, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, NE3 4PL
For more information about Virgin Money Foundation, visit: virginmoneyfoundation.org.uk.
For more information about HFD Charitable Foundation, visit FD Charitable Foundation: A Beacon of Hope