Digital inclusion grant announcement 2021/22
Ciara Arnot Community Advisor •

We want to improve digital equity. Having access to the Internet, and being confident to use it, is more important than ever.
To this end, we are very proud to share our latest grant funding in this area.
In 2021/22, we distributed over $250,000 with priority given to initiatives from organisations with strong evaluation planning or needing to increase their evaluation capability and capacity, and kaupapa Māori organisations.
These 11 amazing grantees will benefit from the use of our evaluation toolkit, which is a free resource available to anyone interested in upping their evaluation game.
Com2Tech Evaluation Capabilities Development Project
Com2Tech, $17,250
To increase evaluation capabilities and capacity with a new information management system at Com2Tech, who deliver a range of digital inclusion programmes.
Digital Skills - Getting Ready for Work
Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa, $15,000
To develop and pilot a new digital inclusion initiative for increasing the digital skills of unemployed people who are seeking to develop their 'work-ready' competencies.
Haututu Laboratories (Tutu Labs)
Digital Natives Academy, $50,000
To enable 720 students to take part in DNA classes over 4 terms (15 classes per term). Each class will have a maximum size of 12 and run for 8-10 weeks (including two Kura Kaupapa Māori (Hurungaterangi/Ruamata) wanting delivery in Te Reo Māori (including VR/coding classes) via tutors who are native speakers.
Tautua Technology (T squared) Coding Club
Marcellin College, $6,790
To create a “Coding Club” at Marcellin College to respond to whānau computer access needs following COVID-19.
Oranga Matihiko
Spotswood College, $30,000
To build and develop digital fluency and digital wellbeing through a Matauranga Māori framework, for Spotswood College students using avatar/digital environments, to learn leadership/team building and have mentorship.
Digital Inclusion - supporting accessibility and affordability in the Eastern Suburbs of Wellington
Te Ora Hou Wellington East, $22,500
To support people in the Eastern Suburbs of Wellington to bridge the digital divide, including Skinny Jump connections, and 1-1 free computer lessons.
Ngāti Waewae - online
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, $22,250
To support tamariki/rangatahi with chromebooks, upskill whānau with digital skills, according to own goals and improve communications with whānau through supporting at least 2 whānau members to manage website.
STEMM Equity and Digital Inclusion in Te Tairāwhiti
Tōnui Collab Charitable Trust, $40,000
To increase the exposure and engagement of rangatahi Māori in STEMM learning experiences and build pathways into STEMM careers, through wānanga-style STEMM learning experiences into schools, kura, marae and community spaces across Te Tairāwhiti.
Digital Inclusion for Unrepresented Minorities in STEAM careers and further education
University of Auckland, Dr Allan Fowler, $15,000
To support professional development and delivery for 4 teachers (plus train the trainer material) to help leverage the interest of underrepresented minorities to make video games. This programme uses embodied learning experience, song, dance, and play to engage and motivate students in learning.
Scam-busters: Teaching people with disabilities to be safe online
University of Auckland, Dr Katrina Phillips & Rebecca Sharp, $20,000
To teach people with disabilities to be safe online, this research based discrimination training will provide the learner with an explanation of what characterizes a scam, then a number of examples and non-examples of scams.
Senior Connection
Whau ACE Adult & Community Education Centre, $15,000
To provide a digital out-reach service (2 staff) to senior citizens on hand held devices and desk to laptop devices - access to devices, Skinny Jump access.
InternetNZ
Each year InternetNZ gives out community grants to provide support for community-led initiatives that extend the availability, use, and benefit of the Internet and its associated technologies and applications in Aotearoa.