VOLA to launch final round of the Digital Connectivity Fund

Available for 4 distinct areas of the Wirral

VOLA is launching the final funding round of the Liverpool City Region UKSPF Digital Connectivity for Community Facilities Grants programme on Monday 29^th September, with an application deadline of 5pm, Friday 24^th October. Online briefing workshops will be held w/c 29^th September – dates, times and booking details below.

There is limited funding remaining, so a more geographically targeted approach is being taken for this final round, with maximum funding values varying by borough. The areas selected are known to have a high risk of digital exclusion and relative lack of local public facilities for people to get online. The fund is only accepting applications for ‘public-use’ IT facilities (no general organisational connectivity improvements).

Wirral organisations can only apply from the following areas:

• Moreton

• New Brighton

• Woodchurch

• Prenton West

Organisations previously funded through the grants programme are not eligible to apply.

Grants will be awarded to successful applicants late November/early December. Funding needs to be spent, with the computer facilities up and running by 13^th February 2026.

Briefing sessions

VOLA is hosting online briefing sessions to inform local VCFSE sector organisations about the fund.

The first session - a general briefing about the fund - will be run twice. The aim of this session is to inform potential applicants about the fund’s purpose, eligibility criteria and key requirements, as well as the application process and what can/cannot be funded. Date options:

1. Wednesday 1^st October, 11:00am – 12:00pm. (Book your place here)

2. Thursday 2^nd October, 12:00 – 1:00pm. (Book your place here)

A second, completely different session will take place on Friday 3^rd October, 11:00am – 12:15pm. This will focus on technical considerations when developing-public access computer facilities, containing plenty of helpful hints and tips on what you need to do, key considerations, things you need to purchase, etc. (Book your place here)

You need to book on to each session you wish to attend separately.

If you are interested in applying for a grant, it is strongly recommended that you attend both sessions. It won't take much of your time, will increase your chances of success, ensure that the facilities you set up are fit-for-purpose and will ultimately help you to avoid lots of potential pitfalls, saving you time/money in the long-run!

For further information on the fund, please visit VOLA’s website.