Digital Inclusion Wales Grant: guidance

The aim of the Digital Inclusion Wales Grant is to support an identified and outlined localised need for support aligned to digital inclusion / achieving a Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS). Digital Inclusion is currently defined as ‘personal use of the internet’. However, the Welsh Government recognises that digital inclusion is more than this. It includes access to appropriate devices (which meet the needs of the person), connectivity (broadband and/or mobile data) and basic digital skills (as defined by the UK Essential Digital Skills Framework).

Applicants should use the guidance note alongside the application form.

For the purposes of this grant, ‘localised need’ refers to a clearly evidenced and geographically defined requirement for digital inclusion activity within a specific community, area, region or locality in Wales. The need must be demonstrated through local knowledge and engagement, rather than assumed or inferred from national or generic data.

Applicants must define what they consider to be their ‘local area’ (e.g. a town, neighbourhood, cluster of communities, a single, or cross local authority area). The definition of ‘local’ must be explicit and proportionate to the scale of the proposal, and supported by:

• an ability to demonstrate knowledge of need from within the area proposed
• avoid assumptions that the need is the same across the area without supporting data or engagement

Wales-wide approaches will not be eligible. The activity must respond to a clearly defined, place-based need rather than a general or assumed digital inclusion issue.

Example (for illustration):

• Eligible: A local authority identifies that residents in three rural wards have particularly low digital confidence and connectivity, evidenced through survey data and community feedback. The proposal targets those wards.
• Ineligible: A local authority applies for funding to “improve digital inclusion across the whole county” without evidence that the need is consistent countywide or defined locally.

Organisation/s able to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving digital inclusion and the ambition to support people to meet the minimum digital living standard in their area. Eligible organisations include:

• registered charities, voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises, and Community Interest Companies
• public sector organisations (e.g. schools, libraries, health and social care services)
• private sector organisations where:
  • the proposed project delivers clear, measurable public and community benefit
  • the funding is not used for commercial profit-making activities
  • the organisation can demonstrate match funding (cash or in-kind)

The grant has 2 categories, Core and Innovation. Please follow the correct guidance depending on the grant you are applying for. 

To support activities that reduce digital exclusion, support the ambition for people to meet the minimum digital living standard and address an identified localised need.

Funding

A total of £360,000 revenue and £30,000 capital per Financial Year. Applicants are expected to outline their funding needs based on the requirements of their project however, as an initial guide:

• Individual applications are expected to be up to £40,000 revenue and £3,500 capital per year.
• Based on the expected value, a project could be awarded up to a maximum of £120,000 revenue and £10,500 capital over a 3 year duration.

Duration

The grant is a 3-year grant.

Eligible activities

Examples of types of eligible activities, all linked to increasing digital inclusion in communities (not intended as an exhaustive list):

• Basic digital skills training and support (1:1 or group-based).
• Provision of devices and/or connectivity for digitally excluded people (on a need identified basis).
• Support for people to access online services (e.g. health, benefits, education).
• Support and retention of Volunteers.
• Outreach to underrepresented or isolated communities.
• Intergenerational activities.

The purpose of the funding should not be seen as solely for funding a dedicated staffing post. However, we recognise there will be some examples where this is required to deliver the proposed outcomes, and this should be set out within the localised need and project legacy sections of the application. Additionally, applications seeking a national approach will not be eligible.

Step by step guide

The following guide is aimed as a tool to help you understand and develop the application form related to the Core Grant (3 years).

Question 1: localised need

For this section, to understand and respond to local digital inclusion needs, organisations should start by using their existing knowledge of the people and communities they support. This includes insights from service data, feedback, and engagement with different groups to identify where digital access, basic digital skills, or confidence are barriers. Consider patterns linked to age, income, disability, health, geography, or language, and explore how being offline or digitally excluded affects people’s ability to engage with services, access support, and maintain wellbeing.

Local findings should be clearly summarised to show who is affected, what barriers exist, and the impact on equity and service engagement. This evidence can then guide the identification of proposed actions to improve digital inclusion, align with the Welsh Government’s ambition for everyone to meet the MDLS, and ensure that service design and transformation are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to local needs. Applicants can use insights to wider issues where digital exclusion is a contributing factor for example accessing public services, managing finances and maintaining social engagement.

Question 2: project legacy

As part of the application, you will need to consider and set out how the activity will continue to produce outcomes beyond the grant period. Applicants should be clear as to how it will be embedded into the organisation’s core work, rather than creating temporary or stand-alone projects dependant on grant funding. This could include integrating digital inclusion into existing processes, services, and staff responsibilities so that it becomes part of the organisation’s everyday practice rather than relying on a single project or role.

By making digital inclusion a shared responsibility, organisations can maintain momentum, reach more people, and make sustainable improvements to access and engagement over time. Applicants should consider how partnerships, resources, and evaluation can help embed activity in organisational systems and processes, policy, procedure, and performance measures beyond the grant. The learning from ongoing monitoring and feedback, ensures that digital inclusion remains a core organisational priority. This approach increases the likelihood that the benefits of the project continue to reach people in need long after the grant has ended.

Question 3: collaboration

Applicants will need to set out how they have actively engaged with other organisations and stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration in their area. This includes identifying partners who are already working in the same space, sharing learning, and considering how services or activities can complement each other rather than duplicate effort. Effective collaboration helps maximise impact, pool resources, and ensure people benefit from coordinated and joined-up support.

Demonstrating this within the application is important. Applicants should clearly explain who they have spoken to, what discussions have taken place, and how this has influenced the project design. This demonstrates that they have considered the local landscape and are committed to working with others to strengthen outcomes and avoid unnecessary overlap.

Whilst the need to formerly collaborate is not a requirement for the grant, collaboration should be built into the project approach itself. This might include shared delivery models, co-designed activities with partners, or mechanisms for ongoing communication and learning. By embedding collaborative practices, organisations can deliver more effective, sustainable, and inclusive services, while ensuring that the project contributes positively to the wider ecosystem of digital inclusion and health and care support.

Question 4: outcomes

Applicants are expected to clearly set out the qualitative and quantitative outcomes they intend to achieve through the grant funding, based on their understanding of localised digital inclusion needs. Outcomes should describe the difference the project aims to make for the people and communities it supports, and how it will address the barriers identified. They should be realistic, relevant, and directly linked to the activity being proposed.

For core funding, applicants should consider outcomes over the 3-year funding timeframe, showing both short-term and longer-term impacts. This includes identifying how improvements in digital access, digital skills, confidence, or engagement will contribute to wider organisational or community benefits, and how the project aligns with strategic goals such as equity, inclusion, and project legacy.

Question 5: monitoring, evaluation and risks

Applicants are expected to clearly define how the project will be monitored, evaluated, and risks managed over the 3-year funding period. This should build directly on the outcomes they have identified, showing how progress will be tracked, how success will be measured, and how impact for the people and communities supported will be assessed. Monitoring and evaluation should be planned from the outset and embedded into the project approach.

In addition to measuring outcomes, applicants should consider risk management, identifying potential challenges such as digital access barriers, resource constraints, or partnership issues and outlining steps to mitigate them. This ensures that projects remain resilient, realistic, and able to respond effectively to changing circumstances.

Applicants should also explain how outcomes will be measured and monitored, including what data or indicators will be used to assess progress and impact. Clear measurement and reporting ensure transparency, enable learning, and demonstrate the value of the investment, helping to inform future planning and ensure that digital inclusion efforts have a meaningful and lasting effect.

A critical part of project learning is actively sharing lessons to improve understanding of localised needs and effective approaches. Applicants should explore ways to share insights, such as show-and-tell events, workshops, or collaborative forums, and demonstrate how case studies will be captured to showcase real-life impact. This promotes cross-sector learning, helps prevent duplication, and ensures that the knowledge generated by the project contributes to broader improvements in digital inclusion and service delivery.

Question 6: Digital Strategy for Wales and Minimum Digital Living Standard

For this section of the application we would expect you to set out how your proposed activity supports the Digital Strategy for Wales (March 2021), aligns with work on Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS). and contributes to our work to understand what it means to be digitally included in today’s society. This includes access to sufficient and reliable broadband, access to appropriate devices and basic digital skills to use the technology safely and with confidence. Applicants should consider how your organisation’s wider strategies and policies support this ambition, ensuring people feel safe, confident and empowered to use the internet and digital technology, should they choose to.

“A minimum digital standard of living includes, but is more than having accessible internet, adequate equipment, and the skills, knowledge and support people need. It is about being able to communicate, connect and engage with opportunities safely and with confidence.”

Question 7: Well-Being for Futures Generations Act

When developing or delivering digital inclusion projects, it is essential to consider the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which sets out 7 well-being goals and five ways of working to help public bodies think long term, work better with people and communities, and prevent problems before they arise. Aligning digital inclusion work with these principles ensures that actions taken today contribute to a more equal, prosperous, resilient, and cohesive Wales; one where everyone can access and benefit from digital opportunities. Practically, this means designing services that promote long-term basic digital skills, inclusive access to technology, and sustainable digital infrastructure (long-term thinking); addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups (prevention and equality); collaborating with partners such as community organisations and businesses (collaboration); involving users in the design and delivery of digital services (involvement); and ensuring decisions contribute across multiple well-being goals rather than tackling issues in isolation (integration). Please clearly set out how the project will embed these approaches, to ensure digital inclusion becomes a key enabler of wider well-being and fairness for both current and future generations.

Question 8: Welsh language

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 sets a new legal context for the Welsh language. The Measure makes the Welsh language an official language in Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to not treating the Welsh language less favourably than English and this extends to the way in which grants are awarded. You will be required to ensure that the services you are seeking funding for provide opportunities for persons to use the Welsh language.

Funding to support the new/creative use of technology to support citizens to engage with digital technology meaningfully and/or address digital exclusion in ways previously unexplored.

Funding

A total of £40,000 revenue and £20,000 capital is available in 2026 to 2027. Applicants are expected to outline their funding needs based on the requirements of their project. However, as an initial guide, individual applications are expected to be up to a maximum of £10,000 revenue and £5,000 capital.

Duration

Projects up to 12 months.

Eligible activities

Examples of types of eligible activities (not intended as an exhaustive list):

• Funding to support new initiative/proof of concept projects or initiatives that have had no recent use (within the last year).
• Projects that go beyond just basic digital skills training, focusing instead on how engaging with digital technology can deliver wider benefits, such as improving health and wellbeing, financial wellbeing and social connections.

It is expected that staffing resources required for the delivery of the project will already be in place, rather than relying on recruitment of new posts. Where exceptions apply, applicants should outline this within the localised need of the application.

The Welsh Government has a Digital First policy position, with alternative channels available e.g. offline. Funding cannot be used to build digital-only solutions, e.g. application/website.

Step by step guide

The following guide is aimed as a tool to help you understand and develop the application form related to the Innovation Grant (up to 12 months).

Question 1: localised need

For this section, to understand and respond to local digital inclusion needs, organisations should start by using their existing knowledge of the people and communities they support. This includes insights from service data, feedback, and engagement with different groups to identify where digital access, basic digital skills, or confidence are barriers. Consider patterns linked to age, income, disability, health, geography, or language, and explore how being offline or digitally excluded affects people’s ability to engage with services, access support, and maintain wellbeing. The need to align how the innovation can then help support the localised need, ensuring independent living and complementing the ambition for supporting people to meet the minimum digital living standard.

Local findings should be clearly summarised to show who is affected, what barriers exist, and the impact on equity and service engagement. This evidence can then guide the identification of proposed innovative actions to improve digital inclusion in the area, align with the Welsh Government’s ambition for everyone to meet the MDLS, and ensure that service design and transformation are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to local needs. Applicants can use insights to wider issues where digital exclusion is a contributing factor for example accessing public services, managing finances and maintaining social engagement.

Question 2: innovative

Innovation in digital inclusion should be clearly grounded in an understanding of localised needs or begin with a discovery phase to better understand these needs and the problem which needs to be addressed.  Applicants are encouraged to identify barriers faced by the people and communities they support, and design practical and measurable solutions. Innovation may involve exploring technology beyond the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS), including tools such as video doorbells, digital glasses, in-home monitoring sensors, or other emerging devices and systems that could enhance access, independence, safety, or wellbeing.

Projects must clearly define the phase of innovation (Discovery, Alpha, or Beta) in line with GOV.UK agile working principles, demonstrating a structured approach to testing, iterating, and refining the solution. Applicants should also confirm that there are no known examples of the proposed innovation being implemented in Wales within the past 12 months, ensuring that the project represents a genuinely new approach to digital inclusion.

Applicants are expected to align outcomes and monitoring to the agile phase of work, setting out how progress, success, and impact will be measured at each stage. For example, discovery projects should focus on learning and defining the problem, alpha phases on testing solutions at small scale, and beta phases on wider implementation and refinement.

Question 3: outcomes

Applicants are expected to clearly set out the qualitative and quantitative outcomes they intend to achieve through the grant funding, based on their understanding of localised digital inclusion needs. Outcomes should describe the difference the project aims to make for the people and communities it supports through innovation, and how it will address the barriers identified. They should be realistic, relevant, and directly linked to the activity being proposed.

For innovation funding, applicants should consider outcomes over the funding period, which includes potential short-term and longer-term benefits. This includes identifying how improvements in digital access, digital skills, confidence, or engagement will contribute to wider organisational or community benefits, and how the project aligns with strategic goals such as equity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Question 4: monitoring, evaluation and risks

Applicants are expected to clearly define how the project will be monitored, evaluated, and risks managed over the funding period. This should build directly on the outcomes they have identified, showing how progress will be tracked, how success will be measured, and how impact for the people and communities supported will be assessed. Monitoring and evaluation should be planned from the outset and embedded into the project approach.

In addition to measuring outcomes, applicants should consider risk management, identifying potential challenges such as digital access barriers, resource constraints, or partnership issues and outlining steps to mitigate them. This ensures that projects remain resilient, realistic, and able to respond effectively to changing circumstances.

Applicants should also explain how outcomes will be measured and monitored, depending on the Discovery, Beta or Alpha phase, including what data or indicators will be used to assess progress and impact. Clear measurement and reporting ensure transparency, enable learning, and demonstrate the value of the investment, helping to inform future planning and ensure that digital inclusion efforts have a meaningful and lasting effect.

Monitoring and evaluation should capture both successes and challenges, including lessons from approaches that do not work, and outline how this learning will inform future phases or broader adoption. Embedding digital inclusion into organisational practice and staff roles, alongside structured evaluation, ensures that innovation delivers lasting benefits, builds organisational capability, and contributes to the evidence base for digital inclusion across Wales.

A critical part of project learning is actively sharing lessons to improve understanding of localised needs and effective approaches. Applicants should explore ways to share insights, such as show-and-tell events, workshops, or collaborative forums, and demonstrate how case studies will be captured to showcase real-life impact. This promotes cross-sector learning, helps prevent duplication, and ensures that the knowledge generated by the project contributes to broader improvements in digital inclusion and service delivery.

Question 5: proof of concept 

As part of your application, you will need to consider and set out the outcomes and benefits which may be achieved beyond the initial grant period, taking into account the phase of innovation (Discovery, Beta, or Alpha). Even for short-term projects, it is important to demonstrate how insights from the work will inform the next phase, whether that involves scaling, further testing, or sharing learning, including lessons from approaches that did not succeed.

Applicants should also give consideration for how partnerships, resources, and evaluation can help embed the outcomes into organisational policy, procedure, and performance measures beyond the life of the grant. Through monitoring and feedback, during the pilot, it will inform learning and shape future approaches, ensuring that digital inclusion remains a core priority. This approach increases the likelihood that the benefits of the project and the lessons learned from it continue to have impact long after the funding period has ended.

Question 6: collaboration

Applicants will need to give consideration and set out where engagement with other organisations and stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration can add benefit to the innovation. This should include consideration for those organisations who are already working in the same space, sharing learning, and considering how services or activities can complement each other rather than duplicate effort. Effective collaboration helps maximise impact, pool resources, and ensure people benefit from coordinated and joined-up support.

Demonstrating this within the application is important. Applicants should clearly explain who they have spoken to, what discussions have taken place, and how this has influenced the project design. This demonstrates that they have considered the local landscape and are committed to working with others to strengthen outcomes and avoid unnecessary overlap.

Whilst the need to formerly collaborate is not a requirement for the grant, collaboration should be built into the project approach itself. This might include shared delivery models, co-designed activities with partners, or mechanisms for ongoing communication and learning. By embedding collaborative practices, organisations can deliver more effective, sustainable, and inclusive services, while ensuring that the project contributes positively to the wider ecosystem of digital inclusion and health and care support.

Question 7: Digital Strategy for Wales and Minimum Digital Living Standard

For this section of the application we would expect you to set out how your proposed activity supports the Digital Strategy for Wales (March 2021), and aligns with work on Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) and our ambition to support people to meet the minimum needs, defined by people and organisations, for what it means to be digitally included in our current society. This includes access to sufficient and reliable broadband, access to appropriate devices and basic digital skills to use the technology safely and with confidence. Applicants should consider how your organisations wider strategies and policies support this ambition, ensuring people feel safe, confident and empowered to use the internet and digital technology, should they choose to.

For Innovation funding, this should consider how wider use of technology could further support someone, as an example, to live independently, alongside the minimum of a device, connectivity and the basic digital skills.

“A minimum digital standard of living includes, but is more than having accessible internet, adequate equipment, and the skills, knowledge and support people need. It is about being able to communicate, connect and engage with opportunities safely and with confidence.”

Question 8: Well-Being for Futures Generations Act

When developing or delivering digital inclusion projects, it is essential to consider the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which sets out 7 well-being goals and five ways of working to help public bodies think long term, work better with people and communities, and prevent problems before they arise. Aligning digital inclusion work with these principles ensures that actions taken today contribute to a more equal, prosperous, resilient, and cohesive Wales; one where everyone can access and benefit from digital opportunities. Practically, this means designing services that promote long-term basic digital skills, inclusive access to technology, and sustainable digital infrastructure (long-term thinking); addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups (prevention and equality); collaborating with partners such as community organisations and businesses (collaboration); involving users in the design and delivery of digital services (involvement); and ensuring decisions contribute across multiple well-being goals rather than tackling issues in isolation (integration). Please clearly set out how the project will embed these approaches, to ensure digital inclusion becomes a key enabler of wider well-being and fairness for both current and future generations.

Question 9: Welsh language

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 sets a new legal context for the Welsh language. The Measure makes the Welsh language an official language in Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to not treating the Welsh language less favourably than English and this extends to the way in which grants are awarded.  You will be required to ensure that the services you are seeking funding for provide opportunities for persons to use the Welsh language.

Applications are accepted as a document format submitted via email to digitialinclusionmailbox@gov.wales or through the online form or by post. There are separate forms depending on whether you are seeking funding for Core (3 year) or Innovation (up to 12 months).

If you wish to apply by post, please ensure this is sent to: Digital Inclusion Branch, Welsh Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ.

All applications must be submitted in full by 4pm on Monday 9 February 2026. You will not be able to submit anything after this time.

If applicants require support with the application, the Digital Inclusion Wales Advice and Support Service is available to assist. You can contact Digital Inclusion Wales by emailing digitalinclusionwales@cwmpas.coop.

Queries regarding the Core or Innovation Grant application form or this guidance note can sent via email to digitalinclusionmailbox@gov.wales. 

All applications will be assessed by a panel of officials within the Welsh Government against the weighting criteria outlined within the Application for Core and Innovation. Where there are elements of cross portfolio activity, for example, social housing, the Digital Inclusion Branch will seek policy advice from appropriate Welsh Government leads as part of the assessment.

Achieving the minimum score for applications will not guarantee a grant will be awarded. There may not be sufficient funding to fund all projects that meet the criteria. If more eligible projects are submitted than funding available those meeting the highest scoring threshold will be funded.

Notification of results will initially be made by email and followed with an electronic offer letter or unsuccessful letter with activity expected to commence from 1 April 2026.All grant offer letters will have to be signed and returned by the deadline indicated in the letter or the grant offer will be withdrawn.

Feedback on unsuccessful applications will be available on request.

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

All grant applications are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation. The Welsh Government’s Grants Privacy Notice provides details on how personal data is collected, processed, and protected, including applicants’ rights and legal grounds for data usage.

We won’t be changing the way we use your personal information, but the notice will provide you with additional details such as:

• Your increased rights in relation to the information we hold about you
• The legal grounds for how we use your information

The Grants Privacy Notice will apply to any grants or funding we provide to you.  

How to find out more

The Grants Privacy Notice makes sure we continue to comply with privacy law and regulation.

If you have any question or require any further help, please contact us at: DataProtectionOfficer@gov.wales.

To assist with the delivery of your activity, Annex A and Annex B provide practical tools aligned to the minimum digital living standard. This includes help to identify gaps in someone meeting the minimum digital living standard and a list of the types of interventions Welsh Government deem as suitable to support meeting the minimum.

Applications will need to set out quarterly forecasts for either Innovation (up to 12 months) or Core (3 years) with a clear line for revenue and capital. There should also be consideration as part of the application as to whether any element of the funding would be required as and advanced payment which would need to be demonstrated.

For the Core Grant, the purpose of the funding should not be seen as solely for funding a dedicated staffing post. However, we recognise there will be some examples where this is required to meet the need. This will need to be clearly set out within the localised need with a clear correlation to the Project Legacy section. Consideration for how the post and activity will be embedded or continued beyond the 3-year funding will be a critical element.

Whilst funding is not expected to be used to support core business activities, exceptions can be made where a need to use staff time for delivery of and support to people based on the localised need are identified. This could, by way of example include the need to order, deliver and set up a device as part of project delivery.

The Core Grant funding would be eligible, upon Award, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029 (3 years).

The Innovation Funding, dependent on the application, would be eligible upon Award, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (up to 12 months). It will be made available for each of the 3 years of the DIW grant funding. 

The funding must be linked to the delivery of specific activities, as outlined above. The timeline for achieving outcomes on the pilot needs to align to the funding timeframe. The applicant should be clear that there is no further funding beyond the outlined timeframes for Innovation and Core and will need to set out clearly within Proof-of-Concept section how this will be considered and addressed.

Non-eligible expenditure

• Contribution towards redundancy costs.
• Management costs.
• Running costs of the organisation.

For the purpose of this grant, collaborative working is defined as 2 or more delivery providers entering into an agreed partnership to jointly deliver a specific project with interlinked activities.

The lead organisation is the organisation identified in the partnership agreement. The lead organisation will be responsible for claiming and distributing grant monies within the partnership in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement.

You will need to develop a partnership/collaboration agreement which all parties have signed up to prior to submitting an application and provide confirmation that this is in place.

Collaborative projects will not be given priority over an individual project and will not attract greater scoring. Each application will be considered on its own merit.