What is the Digital Inclusion Innovation fund?
The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund is a new grant from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It’s here to help local projects that support people who don’t have access to devices, internet data, or the skills to use them.
The fund will give money to organisations across England to run local projects that make a real difference. These might include lending devices, teaching digital skills, or helping people get online safely and confidently.
Essex’s national bid: Measuring the impact of digital skills
Essex County Council is leading a bold, collaborative bid to explore the real-world value of digital inclusion. We’ll run several long-term studies in different areas to see how teaching digital skills helps people use important online services.
We’ll work with universities and research teams to measure the benefits of digital inclusion. We’ll use strong case studies, fair research methods, and national comparisons to show the impact.
A key part of this work is the Digital Help Finder platform, which helps us:
• Track the number and type of digital skills taught
• Monitor attainment and engagement
• Support participants through structured case study groups
You can learn more about the platform by visiting the Digital Help Finder.
What regions will receive if the bid is successful
If selected as a partner, your area could benefit from:
• Funded access to the Digital Help Finder platform
• Setup costs covered for local delivery infrastructure
• Funding for community digital champions to support residents
• Consultancy support from the Digital Essex team to guide implementation
• Participation in nationally recognised case studies
• Inclusion in a high-profile academic evaluation
• Opportunities to shape national benchmarks and policy recommendations
• Visibility as a leader in digital inclusion innovation
Who we're looking for
We’re inviting interest from:
Research and evaluation partners
Universities and research organisations who can:
- Help design and run the evaluation
- Measure impact and value for money
- Build a national plan for future funding
Local Authority Partners
Counties, districts, and unitary authorities who want to:
- Run case studies in their area
- Use the Digital Help Finder platform (funded by the bid)
- Get setup funding, community support, and expert advice
Ways to collaborate
We welcome interest from areas in three categories:
You’re ready to deliver
You already have digital inclusion projects and want to run case studies using our platform and support.
You need help getting started
You don’t have much digital inclusion activity yet. We’ll help you set things up, train community champions, and run case studies with full support.
You have a different idea
Even if your idea doesn’t match our bid exactly, we’re open to new approaches. Let’s talk about how we can work together.
Key dates
- Deadline to submit ideas to Essex County Council: Midday, Wednesday 3 September 2025
- Deadline for full bids: 3pm, Wednesday 10 September 2025
- Project delivery: 3 November 2025 to 31 March 2026
- All funded work must be finished by the end of March 2026.
Let’s lead the way together
We’re inviting councils and organisations to join us in a joint funding bid that shows our shared commitment to digital inclusion. Whether you’re ready to go, need support, or have a bold new idea — get in touch or complete our form and let’s see how we can work together.
Where can I find more information?
Full details and guidance are available on the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund page on the GOV.UK website.