Welsh Government is inviting applications from Community Food Organisations in Wales who provide free or low-cost emergency food and essential household items to individuals and families experiencing food poverty. This pilot grant programme offers capital funding to help people utilising these services to become digitally confident.
Purpose of the Pilot – Minimum Digital Living Standard
The pilot focuses on building capacity for devices and/or connectivity in local settings which support wider outcomes for people who use these services. By funding digital access, we aim to better understand the level of activity, benefits, and challenges for both individuals and organisations in meeting digital needs.
What the Funding can be used for
The Capital funding can be used to purchase:
- Devices (e.g. tablets, laptops)
- Connectivity solutions (e.g. Mi-Fi units / Data SIMs)
These should be used to for the purpose of supporting people when accessing services provided by Community Food Organisations.
About the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS)
This pilot builds on two previous phases of research into the MDLS in Wales, along with a successful 2024/2025 pilot with two social housing providers. The outcomes will further help us understand the positive and negative impacts of using a MDLS as a measure and help inform future delivery interventions.
The attached Guidance document sets out further information on the expectations of the grant over a two (2) month duration.
To Apply:
- The deadline for applications is Monday 05 January 2026 (2pm).
- All applications must be submitted via email to: digitalinclusionmailbox@gov.wales
- Successful bids will be notified by 16 January 2026 for activity to commence immediately thereafter.
Please direct any queries to: digitalinclusionmailbox@gov.wales
For more information about the funding, please see the Guidance Notes below along with the application form, available in English and Welsh:
Community Food Organisations – Guidance Note.pdf
Sefydliadau Bwyd Cymunedol – Nodyn Cyfarwyddyd.pdf
