Community groups across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to apply for grants as Fibrus Broadband opens a £30,000 round to support projects tackling digital exclusion, run in partnership with Community Foundation NI.

Among last year's recipients was 1st Portrush Brownies, which used a £1,416 grant to buy four iPads and protective covers for its growing unit of 24 girls on the north coast. The devices have enabled a broader mix of creative and collaborative sessions in the weekly programme, including film-making, video projects, 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."

Since launching in 2021, Fibrus has provided £230,000 to community groups across Northern Ireland, backing initiatives that reduce digital poverty, build confidence and increase inclusion in rural areas. Once this latest round is distributed, total support through the fund will reach £260,000. The fund is part of Fibrus' wider community commitment alongside its Full Fibre broadband rollout in regional and rural towns and villages in Northern Ireland and Northern England. In addition to network investment, the company backs grassroots clubs via its Play It Forward Fund and supports local organisations and projects through a range of 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."

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 close on 16 October 2026 at 1pm. For details on how to apply, visit: communityfoundationni.org/grants/the-fibrus-community-fund/