The Digital Inclusion Fund

What types of projects are we looking for: 

Projects should address one or more of the following priority areas, and incorporate expertise by experience as a defining element. Projects may span multiple areas and collaboration is highly encouraged. 

Getting ready for the workplace

Whether designed for people who are new to vision loss or just starting out at work, the kinds of support we’d be interested in funding include:

• A standardised (and ideally scalable) framework for understanding someone’s technology and digital skill level and needs
• Support based on existing frameworks or interventions that is tailored to meet people’s specific needs
• Ways to increase access to equipment and technology and software through workshops that allow for demonstration and experimentation, or through library-style services that allow people to spend time with products in their own settings.
• Work to establish a digital passport that is tailored to an individuals specific access needs, and that can be used if reapplying for Access to Work when negotiating a change in job.  

Looking for and applying for jobs

We’d like to fund projects that support blind and vision impaired people to identify opportunities and stand out in the recruitment process, including through:

• Increasing access to the technology needed to find and apply for roles, whether on a temporary or permanent basis along with development of the skills to use it, e.g. to navigate online recruitment platforms
• Support for people to familiarise themselves with key skills needed in the recruitment process and beyond, e.g. online interview platforms and digital etiquette
• Peer support/mentoring on issues like understanding and advocating for reasonable adjustments needed at interview, negotiating with a potential employer if existing recruitment process/systems are not accessible etc.  

Job retention and progression

Once employed, blind and vision impaired people describe the work and ongoing energy needed to maintain and flourish in work as ‘exhausting’, ‘never ending’ and ‘overwhelming’. We want to fund work that enables people to remain in control of their own destiny and to focus on their career, including projects to help with:

• Peer support/mentoring on issues like managing the Access to Work (ATW) process, identifying what assistance would help and communicating with employers about this, sharing experiences and trouble-shooting for successfully navigating a career, including choices about human and digital support
• Familiarisation (and practicing) with technology for navigating the work environment, including getting to and from work as appropriate
• Work to establish a catalogue of resources for people to build on when applying for the technology element of Access to Work.
• Easy signposting to online resources and ongoing sources of information and training to help people stay up to date on the latest technology and digital developments.

Working in technology or digital support

Receiving training and support from someone who is an expert by experience, as well as being a professional expert, can be incredibly powerful. We would love to see clear and accessible pathways for blind and vision impaired people who want to pursue a career in technology and digital support, including: 

• Workshops/mentor schemes led by people with lived experience to raise awareness of career pathways relating to technology in a variety of different industries
• Work to establish an accredited training course for those with lived experience who want to become tech trainers, and who may wish to make a career in this area
• Exploring careers in the tech industries, raising awareness of potential pathways into work
• Development of a quality assurance mark or accreditation to give the community confidence about the quality of training and support they will receive and to better recognise the profession

Eligibility

This funding is for organisations that directly support blind and vision impaired people or people at risk of losing their sight. We want to hear from organisations of all sizes across the UK. We fund the following types of organisations:

• UK registered charities
• Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO)
• Charitable Companies, limited by guarantee
• Community Interest Companies (CIC), limited by guarantee
• Exempt charities (e.g. educational establishments)

Key dates to take note of 

Applications open - 3rd November, 9am, 2025

Information session - 3rd November, Midday  - 1pm 2025. Sign up here. 

Deadline - 6th January, Midday, 2026

Funding outcome announced - Week of 16th February 2026

Application process

Applications must be made via our online portal which will be made available closer to the opening date of the application window. You need to register an account before you can apply.

How funding decisions are made

Initial Checks

The team reviews all incoming applications to conduct eligibility and due diligence checks. Applications that meet the criteria are shortlisted for the next stage. 

Panel Review

Shortlisted applications are reviewed by a panel of experts by experience, who also bring a range of professional expertise. We may co-opt additional professional experience onto the panel for specific grant rounds. The panel recommends a list of projects for funding.

Committee Decisions

Final decisions are made, based on the recommendations of our expert panel, by our Grants and Impact (G&I) Committee, which has delegated authority from our Board of Trustees.