ICT

Nominet Trust £250k challenge – new fund for older entrepreneurs
The Nominet Trust £250k challenge is supporting digital entrepreneurs over the age of 55 who have a viable idea for an internet start-up project which tackles the social problems afflicting senior citizens, and helps older people access the internet. Grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 may be awarded towards projects costing up to £250,000 in total. The deadline for first stage applications is 1 February 2012.
(Source: Grantfinder Newsflash, 28/10/11)

Technology for Learning Small Project Grant Programme
JISC RSC Wales is pleased to announce a Technology for Learning Small Project Grant Programme. Funding is available for up to 10 projects worth £2,500 each. This programme is aimed at supporting the provision of technology to enhance quality of business whilst also generating overall cost savings for the provider. Applications are welcome from all JISC RSC Wales supported sectors ie HE institutions in Wales and WG funded post 16 education and skills sectors, and are expected to focus on a range of learner cohorts and contexts. A Technology for Learning Small Grant Programme Outline can be found at http://moodle.rsc-wales.ac.uk/tfl/ along with the application form, useful contact information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Broadband Support Scheme
The Broadband Support Scheme is aimed at those individuals, businesses and third sector organisations in rural communities that do not have access to basic broadband. The scheme will provide funding to cover the upfront costs of purchasing a broadband solution where existing providers have been unable to provide a service. The scheme is technology neutral and the Welsh Government do not favour any particular type of technology, however examples of the types of broadband solutions that could be supported include: a broadband satellite connection installed for your home or business; a community purchasing a ‘larger scale’ satellite connection which is distributed around the village by a small wireless network; a wireless network being delivered by a service provider across a community; a community purchasing a next generation broadband service such as Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC). For more information on the Broadband Support Scheme, call 03000 6 03000, visit www.wales.gov.uk/broadband or email: broadband@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards
The TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards, with Citizens Online, is an awards and funding scheme with a difference: it is the UK's only scheme which recognises people who harness digital technology to bring about positive social change in their communities. The TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards, with Citizens Online and in association with The Mirror - and supported by Race Online 2012 - offer people a chance to win funding for a new or existing digital project. So what are you waiting for - apply for Digital Heroes 2011 now.

MissionFish offers two £10k grants to develop online trading
MissionFish, the charitable organisation that has helped deliver eBay for Charity since 2005, is offering two grants of up to £10,000 to charities that want to set up or develop an online trading or fundraising business. The grants are designed to help the recipient charities become more sustainable, and therefore better able to achieve their missions. They are part of a trial, designed to explore demand. MissionFish say that ‘if more than two sufficiently high quality applications are received, MissionFish may make further funds available to support them’.

Eligible organisations will be those with charitable status in the UK will already be registered with MissionFish, and participating in fundraising through eBay for Charity. Organisations will also be ‘expected to demonstrate a commitment to online trading as a fundraising channel.’ www.missionfish.org.uk/fundraise/grants/uk_online-business-grants.html
(Source: UK Fundraising Weekly, 19/5/11)

Michael Sacher Charitable Trust
The trust aims to apply its funds towards a diverse range of general charitable purposes. The causes supported by the trust fall within the following funding categories: arts culture & heritage; education, science & technology; community & welfare; children & youth; medical & disability; overseas aid; and religion. Further details are available from 020 7289 5873.
(Source: Charity Funding Report, Issue 101)