MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: To be digitally confident is
essential in today's society. Whether it is to access employment,
health and care, public services, financial services or to
maintain connections with friends and family. For those people
who lack digital confidence there is a greater risk of
experiencing inequity.
Digital Inclusion Wales (DIW), the new Welsh Government approach
to digital inclusion, which I launched in May 2025, consists of
two strands. A national procured programme, delivered by Cwmpas,
providing a nationally coordinated, bilingual advice and support
service that strengthens digital inclusion across Wales and Welsh
Government multi-year funding for a locally developed and
delivered grant projects. Both strands are managed and funded by
Welsh Government.
Feedback from stakeholder engagement when designing the new
digital inclusion programme for Wales showed that there was a gap
in locally developed and delivered projects, tailored to meet
local needs. This new multi-year grant is designed to fill this
gap by supporting projects that help people overcome barriers to
using digital technology and services.
The grant aims to ensure that everyone in Wales can access and
benefit from digital technology, should they choose to do so. In
doing so we will further our ambition for everyone in Wales to
meet the minimum digital living standard, which in turn will
ensure no one is left behind in an increasing digitalised world.
I am pleased to inform members that the Digital Inclusion Wales
(DIW) Grant was officially launched on gov.wales on Monday 17
November 2025.
The Grant consists of two strands:-
-
Core Grant providing up to three years support
for locally developed and delivered projects, helping
organisations embed digital inclusion into everyday life.
Around £390,000 will be available each financial year, with
typical awards of about £43,500;
-
Innovation Grant funds shorter-term projects
that test new and creative approaches to supporting people
using digital technology. With a total of £60,000 available per
annum, awards are anticipated to be each around £15,000. These
projects will run for up to twelve months.
The Grant is open to all sectors, including community groups,
social enterprises, third sector organisations, faith groups, and
public and private bodies.
To ensure lasting impact and continuous improvement, all projects
funded through the Grant will be required to capture lessons
learned and outcomes through detailed case studies. These case
studies will highlight effective approaches, challenges overcome,
and the ways in which digital inclusion has been embedded
throughout project delivery, supporting the longevity and
sustainability of digital inclusion across Wales and will be made
available on gov.wales.
The application window will close on 9 February 2026, with
successful projects commencing from 1 April 2026.
For more information and to apply for the Digital Inclusion Wales
(DIW) Grant visit Digital Inclusion Wales
(grant).
