The UK government has launched the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, a £25,000–£500,000 grant programme designed to remove digital barriers and ensure that online spaces are accessible to everyone. With applications closing on 10 September 2025 and all projects to be delivered by 31 March 2026, the fund provides organisations with a time-sensitive opportunity to turn ambition into measurable impact.

Why the Fund Matters

Digital inclusion is no longer optional. Every organisation that delivers services online now carries both a responsibility and a risk: responsibility to make those services accessible, and risk if they fail to meet emerging legal, social, and operational expectations. The fund gives organisations the resources to act now, build capability, and show leadership in this space.

Who Can Apply

The fund is open to:

•    Local authorities and combined authorities
•    Charities
•    Research organisations
•    Consortiums led by an eligible authority or charity

Projects must align with at least one government focus area:

•    Improving digital skills
•    Improving access to digital services
•    Tackling data and device poverty
•    Building confidence in using digital platforms

Full details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-innovation-fund

Using the Fund Effectively

The most successful bids will go beyond pilot activity or short-term fixes. They will build approaches that are repeatable, evidence-based, and measurable. This is where automation and testing can play a critical role.

Automation makes it possible to:

•    Monitor websites and digital platforms continuously, not just as a one-off audit.
•    Identify barriers to access quickly and at scale.
•    Provide consistent evidence that progress is being made.

Testing ensures that the digital experience is validated against recognised standards and real user needs. When combined with automation, testing becomes a powerful way to show funders, stakeholders, and communities that improvements are lasting and not superficial.

Value Beyond Compliance

Investing in automation and testing through the fund can deliver long-term benefits:

•    Efficiency: Reduced manual effort in identifying and fixing issues.
•    Trust: Demonstrable evidence that digital services are inclusive and reliable.
•    Sustainability: Systems that continue working after the grant period ends.
•    Scalability: Ability to apply lessons and tools across multiple services or communities.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Find a Grant service. Applicants should prepare a detailed project plan, cost breakdown, and confirm compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Bids can be made individually or as part of a consortium.

Final Thought

The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund represents more than financial support. It is an opportunity to establish lasting systems that combine human intent with technological capability. By embedding automation and testing into funded projects, organisations can move from compliance-driven activity to a position of digital confidence: inclusive, measurable, and ready for the future.

For details, visit the official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-innovation-fund