Bridge the gap ending digital poverty C.I.C

Bridge The Gap Ending Digital Poverty C.I.C. (BTGEDP) strives to address digital and educational disparities, aiming to eliminate digital and educational poverty. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living, our organization emerged to bridge the digital and social gaps by empowering residents, including families with children and those with additional needs, through technological support and education. Our objective is to empower residents to shape their communities positively, inspiring others to follow suit. Access to technology and education is crucial, especially as residents face tough choices due to financial constraints. Digital poverty exacerbates isolation and health challenges. Affordability of data and devices, compounded by low income, language barriers, and digital illiteracy, presents significant barriers. Our services encompass laptop repairs, data wiping, subsidized devices, data SIM cards, DIGI-WORLD events, and digital skills programs.

As a registered digital online center, we collaborate with the National Data Bank Community and the Good Things Foundation network, offering an 8-week digital skills program for local residents. Our workshops provide comprehensive training on using laptops, iPads, tablets, and smartphones, accompanied by guidance on accessing online services from agencies such as Universal Credit and healthcare providers.

Our organization relies heavily on volunteers, fostering intergenerational collaboration to reduce stigma and foster relationships within the community. However, we face ongoing challenges, including securing essential resources and safeguarding our equipment. A recent break-in resulted in significant losses, highlighting the need for secure storage facilities.

We appeal for donations to cover essential ongoing costs, including workshop expenses, office space, refurbishment, marketing, volunteer support, and printing. Securing funding for at least three years is vital for our sustainability and growth, enabling us to expand our reach and impact.

Your support will help us continue our vital work in the community, empowering individuals to improve their circumstances through technology and education. Thank you for considering our cause.

BTG Team

Breakdown of funding required for 3 years

Rent and Utilities (3 years, £650 per month):

Total: £23,400

Monthly Rent: £650

Monthly Utilities: £100

Yearly Rent: £7,800

Yearly Utilities: £1,200

Refurbished and Repair Costs for Laptops:

Total: £10,000 (over 3 years)

Year 1: £3,500

Year 2: £3,500

Year 3: £3,000

Events and Promotions:

Total: £12,000 (over 3 years)

Year 1: £4,000

Year 2: £4,000

Year 3: £4,000

Admin Costs:

Total: £8,000 (over 3 years)

Year 1: £2,500

Year 2: £2,500

Year 3: £3,000

Volunteer Costs:

Total: £20,000 (over 3 years)

Year 1: £6,500

Year 2: £6,500

Year 3: £7,000

Printing Costs:

Total: £6,600 (over 3 years)

Year 1: £2,200

Year 2: £2,200

Year 3: £2,200

Total Funding Allocation: £80,000

This budget will allow us for the allocation of funds for rent and utilities, refurbishing and repairing laptops, events and promotions, administrative costs, volunteer costs, and printing costs over a three-year period. This budget ensures that our expenses are distributed in a way that supports the organization's operations and initiatives while staying within the budget constraints as we are hit with further demands of the service.