Independent Scottish broadband provider, GoFibre, has today announced the launch of its GoFurther Fund in Aberdeenshire and Angus for the first time.
Local charities and organisations in the area are now able to apply for a slice of GoFibre’s £50,000 fund which launched last summer to support vital projects and groups in their efforts to transform local lives within the regions where GoFibre continues to build its network.
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With up to £3,000 available for each recipient, the GoFurther Fund provides grants to those who meet the relevant criteria, including supporting the creation of work experience opportunities, developing skills and the local economy, promoting good health and wellbeing or actively tackling climate change and contributing to net zero targets in their local areas.
As part of the debut round of funding, five organisations from East Lothian, Fife, and the Borders received support after being selected from over 60 worthy applicants. The funding recipients offered fundamental services to those they serve within their communities, including education and employability services for young people and the disabled community, social sessions that help tackle loneliness and isolation and after-school support and activities designed to empower young people from all backgrounds.
Neil Conaghan, Chief Executive Officer at GoFibre said: “After the extremely positive feedback and awe-inspiring number of applications we received in round one, it is with great pride that we announce that the second phase of our GoFurther Fund is open to eligible organisations based in Aberdeenshire and Angus.
“Having built relationships with locals and businesses in these communities as far back as 2022, we know that there is a host of vital community work taking place in these areas and encourage any groups who are in need of funding and think they may fit the criteria, to apply.”
Around 20,000 residents and businesses across towns in Aberdeenshire and Angus are in the process of being able to access GoFibre’s full fibre broadband, with the network now live in the areas of Stonehaven, Newtonhill, Portlethen, Laurencekirk, Montrose and Kirriemuir, with construction underway in Forfar.
Once connected to GoFibre, residents and businesses have access to up to 10Gbps speeds, which significantly enhances their ability to work effectively from home, improves business productivity, and ensures households can use as many gadgets as they want to their hearts’ content.
The GoFurther Fund is now receiving applications from Aberdeenshire and Angus charities and organisations until the 31st of March when the review process will then take place. More information on the funding criteria and how to apply is available at gofibre.co.uk/gofurtherfund.