The net:gain programme has now started the first round of funding for UK online centres. For those centres keen to participate, they can apply for a grant to help them meet development costs. This will then aid and prepare them for delivery of the net:gain service to Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs).
The Home Office awarded £1.2 million to net:gain under its ChangeUp proposals to help the Voluntary and Community sector gain a better understanding of ICT strategic planning. A further £250,000 has now been set aside for a programme of net:gain start-up grants. UK online centres can apply to the fund for between £6,000 and £9,000 to support their development activities.
The grant covers activities such as stakeholder liaison and recruitment and training of staff, as well as initial business planning and marketing. At the end of the funding period, centres should be capable of launching the net:gain service to VCOs in their area.
Applications
Centres interested in a net:gain start up grant can now register their interest on the net:gain website Suitable candidates will then be invited to apply for funding. There will be at least two funding windows, the first ending in March 2006 and the second in June 2006.
About net:gain
net:gain aims to promote the strategic use of ICT amongst Voluntary and Community Organisations by means of face to face and online support. For more information visit the net:gain website www.net-gain.org.uk or contact the project team on 024 768 53054.
Editors notes
1. The net:gain programme is directed by a consortium of partners lead by ruralnet|uk in association with Ufi, Foyer Federation and Funding Matters. ruralnet|uk is a rural development charity, combining ICT expertise and community development. It also owns and runs RNUK Ltd, which manages development programmes in both rural and urban areas and has lead the DirectSupport consortium since 2000, delivering free support to UK online centres. For more see www.ruralnetuk.org and www.directsupport.org.uk.
2. Ufi Ltd, one of the government’s key partners in delivering the workforce development and lifelong learning agendas, is responsible for the network of 6000 UK online centres and over 1400 learndirect centres. It aims to drive up demand for learning, help adults improve their employability by acquiring new knowledge and skills, and help businesses become more competitive. Further information is at www.ufi.com.
3. The Foyer Federation is the national umbrella body for Foyers in the UK . Foyers provide an integrated service, including accommodation, support and access to training and employment opportunities, for homeless and disadvantaged 16-25 year olds. The Foyer Federation has developed a network of UK online centres in 50 Foyers across England .
4. Funding Matters is a small consultancy that provides funding information advice and guidance to government departments and agencies, VCS intermediaries and Neighbourhood Learning & UK online centres. The Funding Matters service focuses on ICT-related Social Inclusion, Learning and Regeneration. Funding Matters has been a consultant to the DfES and LSC on matters relating to the development of UK online centres.
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