Scottish charities share digital skills funding

Five charities are to share in almost £500,000 of digital skills funding.

It is hoped the move will help open up employment and other opportunities to people living in Glasgow and parts of the west of Scotland.

The money has been allocated through the Building Digital Skills Fund, which is a partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation.

Until now, the cash has only been given to organisations in Glasgow, which is said to have some of the highest levels of digital exclusion in the UK.

Research by students at the University of Glasgow found that almost half of the city’s non-internet users come from the most deprived socio-economic groups.

The latest round will also see funds made available to community groups and charities in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

The organisations set to benefit include Active Communities, Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse (Fare), Your Voice Inverclyde Community Care Forum, North West Women’s Centre, and The Tannahill Centre.

As much as £1.8m has been given out since the programme was launched in 2024.

Lauren McKenzie, trustee of the HFD Charitable Foundation, said: “As the fund moves into its third round, it’s really encouraging to see its impact reaching new areas. We know that having access to digital skills and connectivity can open up opportunities, whether that’s accessing services, improving employability, or reducing isolation. These organisations are doing vital work in their communities, and we’re proud to support them as they help more people build confidence in the digital world.”

Nancy Doyle-Hall, executive director at the Virgin Money Foundation, added: “Through the latest round of grants it has been a real privilege to get to know community organisations across Greater Glasgow that we haven’t previously worked with and to see the impact they are having on their local community. We look forward to working alongside them over the next few years as they work to increase the digital skills and confidence of the people they support.”