New £5,000 funding opportunity for women-led charities in Greater Manchester

• Donations of up to £5,000 on offer for women-led or founded charities making a difference in the North, through TalkTalk’s Future Fibre Fund
• Research reveals a 16% YOY decline in the number of women leading the UK’s 100 largest charities*, highlighting the need to support and empower more women in this space.
• The initiative comes as the local connectivity provider continues to bring full fibre to homes and businesses across Greater Manchester

 Ahead of International Day of Charity (September 5^th), Salford-based connectivity provider TalkTalk is launching a new funding opportunity to support women-led charity initiatives making an impact.

Women-led or founded charities in Greater Manchester can now apply for a Future Fibre Fund donation of up to £5,000 to help with the important work they are doing in the local community. The donation can be used by the selected charities to purchase new technology, improve facilities, train staff and volunteers, or invest in much needed equipment or kit.

Successful applicants will also be invited to be a judge at TalkTalk’s North West Women in Tech Awards 2024. An event that celebrates inspirational women and the brilliant work they are doing within the tech industry. The awards also provide an opportunity for attendees to network and learn from like-minded people.

Lucy Thomas, TalkTalk’s Corporate Affairs Director, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting exceptional women across the North through our new funding initiative as we rollout Full Fibre in the local area. Our aim is to shine a light on the brilliant female leaders and charities helping the local community here in Greater Manchester”.

TalkTalk aims to empower more women in the technology sector through its various Women in Tech initiatives, including its annual NW Women in Tech awards, now in its third year, summits for young people, partnership with the University of Salford and UA92, as well as colleague network and events.

 How to apply

Women-led or founded charities , including femme-presenting or those identifying as non-binary, across Greater Manchester can apply for the initiative by submitting a short application on TalkTalk’s website. Applicants can apply on behalf of themselves or nominate someone inspirational in their local area that is making a difference through their charity.

 Applicants have until 5^th October 2023 to apply.

Those interested in applying will be asked to answer a small number of questions about their organisations and how the donation would be used to improve their charitable work, how the donation will benefit their charity or organisation, and why the female founder or leader should be considered for the work they have done. Successful applicants will be notified from the 23^rd of October 2023

For more information visit: www.talktalk.co.uk/futurefibrefund