The county council is launching a new £200,000 Gloucestershire Digital Innovation Fund to provide grants to community groups and organisations that help adults live full and independent lives through the power of technology.
The fund launches officially on Tuesday 3 March 2020, and organisations can apply for funding of up to £20,000 per project. Funding can be used for technology-led initiatives whether these are brand new or expanding on existing projects in the county.
Cllr Carole Allaway-Martin, cabinet member for adult social care commissioning, said: “Technology has huge potential to change people’s lives and we know there are already some brilliant organisations in the county doing just this.
“Some of the areas we’re particularly interested in are tackling social isolation or helping people maintain their independence – but we want to hear your ideas on how technology can help enhance people’s lives. We encourage anyone who’s interested in the funding to come to one of our workshops to find out more.”
The county council is holding two workshops to give organisations more details on the funding, the criteria and the application process on Thursday 27 February in Cheltenham and Monday 2 March in Churchdown.
There will also be organisations that run successful technology-led projects of their own, such as TECH Connect, Forest Sensory Services, Age UK and Kingfisher Treasure Seekers, to inspire people with examples of their work and answer questions about their experience.
Visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/digital-innovation-fund for more details of the events and frequently asked questions.
Event details
Cheltenham workshop
Thursday 27 February – 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Springbank Community Resource Centre, Springbank Way, Cheltenham, GL51 0LG
Churchdown workshop
Monday 2 March – 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Churchdown Community Association, Parton Road, Churchdown, GL3 2JH
You can find the answers to frequently asked questions here: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/digital-innovation-fund