Digital Inclusion covers digital skills, accessibility and connectivity that are vital for people to be able to access services and use digital devices. As a company that's been at the heart of the local community for more than 120 years, we don’t want anyone to be left behind in an increasingly digital world. That’s why we offer social tariffs, regular IT sessions for our more vulnerable customers and our Digital Inclusion Grants which provide community funding to help bridge the digital divide.
What is the KCOM Digital Inclusion Grant programme?
We’re partnering with HEY Smile Foundation to award local groups and charities with grants of between
£5K-£15K to address the digital divide. We’ll be giving out awards twice a year for projects that promote online inclusion, connect generations, and help boost digital skills across the Humber.
A word from our partner: HEY Smile Foundation
"KCOM has shown real commitment to ensuring grassroot groups which underpin our local community are supported through this new fund. Not only has KCOM committed funding through its new digital grants but through other community initiatives and engagement. KCOM put people first and through its regular community activities keep community at the heart of every day business. We are proud to work alongside KCOM making local peoples' lives that little bit better".
Jamie Lewis
CEO, HEY Smile Foundation
How do I apply for a grant?
For more information and to apply for a grant, please click the link to the following webpage or simply scan the QR code provided to register and login to your HEY Smile Foundation account.
kcom.com/digitalinclusiongrant/apply
Our previous winners
City of Hull Sport and Community Club
“The Digital Grant we received has allowed us to provide the local community access to digital devices. The support we give has had a positive impact on their lives. Daily tasks like paying a bill, sending an email or applying for a job, have been made less stressful. Offering a quiet and dedicated space, where children can come and use the laptops, has made doing homework easier. This has all been made possible, thanks to the digital grant.”
Bob Beautyman
City of Hull Sport & Community Group
Creative Briefs
“Through this grant we will inspire children and families across Hull by introducing them to a range of attainable and exciting career paths in the creative and digital sectors. This project doesn’t just focus on young people, we’re also bridging the digital divide for parents, grandparents, and carers through shared learning family workshops.”
Rebecca Shipham
Creative Briefs
Carers Support Centre
"The funding from KCOM will enable us to open our Carers' Hub – a dedicated place for carers to meet other carers and find out information from our expert team. The grant will help us to provide digital solutions for carers; whether it’s free Wi-Fi, using a computer or copying documents with support from our digital tutors. All of which supports carers to become independent, feel less isolated and benefit from the company of others."
Rosa Torraca
Carers Support
We've supported many community-led ideas that address digital inclusion across the Humber. To see all of our winner's stories, click below.
Frequently asked questions
To access the application form you will need to:
- Register your with HEY Smile Foundation’s grant portal here:
Grant Pot - Listing - Select Apply Now on the KCOM Digital Grant Application
- Submit an online application form
- If assistance is required, email grants@heysmilefoundation.org
KCOM Grant Panel will meet and assess applications twice a year (February and September). Current deadlines are shown in the grant portal.
On your application please give us an outline what your project is and how it will
work. While we want to hear about the practicalities of how your project will be
delivered, we also want your passion, enthusiasm and creativity to shine through
in your proposal.
Each application will first be assessed to ensure it meets the criteria outlined.
Applications will then be shortlisted for full Grant Panel review.
Projects must support residents living within Hull, East Riding and North
Lincolnshire.
The programme is seeking community-led ideas that can address priorities,
evidence impact and support shared learning. It is unlikely a one-off event or
capital spend will support a sustainable change.
Funding must be spent within a 12-month period of receiving the grant.