by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

Telecommunications and broadband provider, Fibrus has announced a £55,000 fund to address digital poverty in rural Northern Ireland in partnership with the Community Foundation. The ‘Fibrus Community Fund’ will award grants of £1,000 to groups and organisations in rural locations over the next year, helping them to access digital technology and purchase equipment.


Fibrus Networks Ltd, which is currently bringing hyperfast full fibre broadband to areas across rural Northern Ireland, will make awards through the Community Foundation in tandem with the full fibre broadband rollout.

Marcus Cooper, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation commented on the importance and value of this corporate social responsibility partnership for our communities.

“Coronavirus has further highlighted the need for communities to remain connected and many groups and charities working with those most vulnerable in our communities are telling us that a strong and sustainable broadband connection in rural communities is vitally important. The pandemic has massively increased our use of technology and it now plays a vital role in our daily lives. Our learnings from Covid highlight digital poverty as a major concern in rural areas, negatively impacting isolation and loneliness, especially among young people and older people.

“The Fibrus Community Fund will support those individuals in rural areas and begin to address the digital divide.”

Fibrus Managing Director, David Armstrong said:

“The Community Foundation’s established relationships with community groups throughout Northern Ireland made them an obvious choice for us to manage the Fibrus Community Fund. Building our name and reputation with these groups and people will be key to the successful delivery of full fibre broadband in those areaswhere it is so needed.

“Fibrus is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. By investing £55,000 through our new Fibrus Community Fund, we will be able to give back to some of the organisations doing wonderful work to enhance and support communities in our thriving towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

“We’re looking for projects specifically aimed at young people who need greater access to technology or connectivity, as well as initiatives that combat digital exclusion amongst the elderly or those more vulnerable in our society. We hope as many local groups and community organisations get involved and we look forward to hearing more about your good work”

For information on the Community Foundation’s corporate responsibility fund management go to communityfoundationni.org

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Marcus Cooper, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation, pictured with Fibrus Managing Director, David Armstrong

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