The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund is NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS. We are delighted to announce that the latest round of the Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund in partnership with Forever Manchester is now open for applications from Community Groups in Greater Manchester. If you would like to view this page as a pdf, click below. Autotrader Community Fund PDF Guidance The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund is offering awards of up to £2,500. The deadline for applications is midday on Thursday 16th July 2026. Fund criteria The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund aims to support community organisations that help to tackle digital exclusion across Greater Manchester. This can be through projects specifically set-up for the purpose, or for projects with another purpose which incorporate activity that would also help to support digital inclusion. This fund aims to support projects that improve access to digital resources, keeping people connected with loved ones and accessing essential services. It will focus on community led digital projects, ensuring everyone across Greater Manchester can feel included, supported and better connected. Who can apply? The Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund aims to encourage and support grassroots community organisations. This means small, community-based and locally controlled groups that manage themselves. Applicants must have an annual income of less than £150,000 How much can you apply for? The maximum award request that will be considered is £2,500. What can you apply for? Local groups understand how they can best work in their communities to promote digital inclusion. We don’t want to limit the type of request you can make, let us know what you want to do and what positive things your activity will provide for people in your community. This can be through projects specifically set-up for the purpose of supporting digital inclusion, or for projects with another purpose which incorporate activity that would also help to improve digital inclusion. Some examples of what we mean by projects set-up to support digital inclusion include: Sessions and workshops aimed at helping people in your community to develop digital skills Provide digital-based training workshops to young people looking for employment refurbished computers for the local community access to technology to tackle social isolation making community information accessible to all Some examples of what we mean by projects with another purpose which incorporate activity that would also help to improve digital inclusion include: an activity group for older people which also helps people to get online and stay in touch with family and friends a health support group which shows people how to access relevant support, information and appointments online a foodbank or pantry which helps people access financial support or welfare advice online a youth group which supports young people to stay safe online These activities do not need to be specific sessions or workshops, but something that your organisation does side-by-side with your core project work. To learn more about digital inclusion, what the issues are in Greater Manchester and further information about this topic, please see the Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Strategy. Is there anything you can’t apply for? Unfortunately, there are a few things that can’t be funded, such as activities that have already taken place or been paid for, contributions to major appeals, activities promoting political or religious beliefs and activity which should be provided by statutory services. If you’re not sure if we could consider your application for funding, please contact a member of the Forever Manchester Communities Team, email awards@forevermanchester.com and we’ll be happy to help. Supporting Documents For help and guidance on your groups supporting documents and to see what we require to be submitted alongside your application, please refer to our guidance which you can find here. Supporting Information Please note that this information forms part of the Fund guidance and should be read in full before you start the application form. Deadline for Applications We will close for applications at midday on Thursday 16th July 2026. Any applications received after this time will not be considered. OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS How long will a decision take? For this round of the Autotrader Digital Inclusion Fund, we aim to let you know the outcome of your application by late-August 2026. Please do not plan to start any activity until after you hear if your application has been successful. Our Frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide further information about our funding programmes, who can apply and the application process. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) If you have any questions or have trouble completing your application, please contact us at awards@forevermanchester.com or phone 0161 214 0940.
About Autotrader A company powered by tech and made possible by people. Autotrader is the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. With the largest number of car buyers and the largest choice of trusted stock, Autotrader’s marketplace sits at the heart of the UK car buying process. That marketplace is built on an industry-leading technology and data platform, which is increasingly used across the automotive industry. Autotrader continues bringing more of the car buying journey online, creating an improved buying experience whilst enabling all its retailer partners to sell vehicles online. Autotrader and Forever Manchester recognise that great things happen in and around Greater Manchester on a daily basis and we want to shout about it! The idea behind the Autotrader Community Fund is to provide a positive, friendly and accessible approach to gaining much needed financial support for your group.
