News By KCOM | 10 July 2026 - 4 min read

KCOM boosts inclusion for young people and women with latest Digital Grants

Grants will boost online opportunities

People in danger of being left behind in an increasingly digital world will be given new online opportunities thanks to the latest KCOM grants.

The East Yorkshire-based company, which is the UK’s most reliable broadband provider, has revealed its three latest Digital Inclusion grants totalling more than £33,000 to help groups across the region promote digital inclusion.

The winners are Elloughton-cum-Brough Village Hall, Humber STEM and the Bora Shabaa Refugee Community Organisation – three organisations committed to providing life chances and new horizons for their members.

Louise Babych, KCOM’s Community Impact Partner, said: “Yet again, the quality of entries for our Digital Inclusion Grants has been phenomenal, making it incredibly difficult to pick three winners.

“But in our latest winners we have three organisations committed to helping people to fulfil their potential, embrace new opportunities and become more included in what is an increasingly digitally focused society, where everything from booking a doctor’s appointment to paying a bill or looking for work is done online.”

The latest awards bring KCOM’s Digital Grant total to more than £140,000, benefitting 15 local charities and community groups, since they launched 18 months ago.

The latest winners:

Elloughton-cum-Brough Village Hall

The East Riding village hall will use its grant to create a digital suite to deliver new digital courses for its community. Their courses will support older people and younger (aged 16 to 19) with employability skills.

Spokesperson Julie Greensides said: “We are so grateful and excited to have received the KCOM Digital Inclusion Grant. Installing a media room will allow us to put on a number of free courses that we hope will benefit both senior citizens and young adults. Without the grant it would have remained an empty room serving no purpose”

Humber STEM – Working with Holderness Cluster of Schools, East Riding

This East Yorkshire community organisation is dedicated to advancing education and improving outcomes for children and young people through STEM. Its funding will allow it to purchase portable Active Floor equipment to deliver a yearlong, transformational Special Educational Needs project that will benefit around 1,000 young people.

Humber STEM Lead Liam Johnson, said: “Imagine learning that moves with you. The Humber STEM interactive floor, powered by the KCOM Digital Inclusion Grant, will transform learning by creating immersive spaces where children learn through movement, interaction and discovery. It will remove barriers and re-engage children so that they can access traditional education, offering a new route into learning.

“This will enable our learners to not only participate but feel as though they belong and can succeed alongside peers. This is not enhancement—it is access, equity and inclusion redefined through lived experience learning environments. Thank you KCOM for the difference you are making to our communities.”

Bora Shabaa Refugee Community Organisation

Hull’s women-led refugee support organisation provides practical help, classes and wellbeing support for women and families. Its funding will help to establish a dedicated IT suite to support women, particularly from minority backgrounds with regular IT classes and one-to-one digital support.

Centre spokesperson Severine Kipili said: “It’s going to make a real difference for Black minority women in our community. These weekly digital skills sessions will help women feel confident using digital tools - the everyday things that open doors. It’s all about building confidence, independence, and connection. We’re excited to see women step into their power and feel fully included in a digital world that often leaves them out. Thank you to KCOM and the Smile Foundation Team! “

To find out more about KCOM Digital Inclusion Grants click here