Call to run a project to help address the digital divide in response to Coronavirus. To deliver additional bolt-on activity to existing ESF projects. 100% ESF ‘Lump Sum’ based funding.

The ESF Managing Authority is aware of issues with the EClaims system today, 30 September 2020. This is affecting organisations wishing to submit applications for funds against the Digital Interventions Call Reference Number OC00S20X1772, closing date 23:59 on 30 September 2020. In recognition of the issues this is causing to potential applicants, the closing date for applications to be submitted to the EClaims system for this Call has been extended by 24 hours to 23:59 on 1 October 2020.

Lump Sum Digital Interventions – Questions & Answers

This call is now closed. Please do not submit an application on this call. The information provided on this page is for information purposes only.

Details

This Call seeks to address two of the main ‘access’ issues associated with digital exclusion.

The first is that of having physical access to the internet, i.e. a device that will allow the user to access the internet. The second is the issue of data poverty.

Applications are invited from organisations to deliver short-term activity to existing ESF participants as a “bolt-on” to the ESF support they are currently receiving. The short-term activity will consist of projects procuring and loaning an appropriate device (e.g. tablet, laptop) and providing a three-month allowance of data, provided via a data dongle, to existing ESF participants. Activity will also include a small amount of set up support to enable users to understand functionality and get online.

Projects can be funded at 100% ESF through this Call. No upper or lower financial limit will be applied to project applications made against this Call. This will enable smaller, locally based organisations to apply for funding and also provides scope for larger organisations to apply to deliver larger scale projects where they have identified sufficient demand for provision.

Applications are invited to deliver the activity across England, excluding London. The Greater London Authority (GLA) is launching a separate Call seeking applications to deliver activity specifically for the London area.

All activity to enable participants to receive the equipment, any initial set up support, and defrayal of all expenditure must be completed by 31 December 2020.

For more information, download the Call Specification

Please also see:

Location

The project must cover any/all LEP areas – excluding London

Value

Approximately £5m of ESF is available.

Deadlines

Full application deadline: 23:59 01 October 2020

Completion date

All project activity must be completed no later than 31st December 2020. Projects must be in a position to submit their claim by 5th February 2021.

Full Application Submission

To apply for funding under this call you will need to complete and submit your Full Application via the ECLAIMS IT System.

Please note: the ECLAIMS IT System can only be access from within the UK.

Full Applications submitted in the ECLAIMS IT System after the call closing date shown above and on the call specification will not be appraised.

If you do not already have access to the ECLAIMS IT system, please request an ‘ECLAIMS External Access Form’ by emailing [email protected]

You will need to request an External Access Form for each person in your organisation who requires access.

It is your responsibility to ensure you request and activate your ECLAIMS access in sufficient time. We strongly advise that you obtain and activate your ECLAIMS access at least 2 weeks prior to the advertised call closure date, if not sooner.

You are also advised to read the details in the call specification in order to produce an application that complies with the requirements.Applicants should follow the Lump Sum Digital Inclusion Call guidance published alongside this Call. The guidance includes step-by-step details of how to record your Full Application information in ECLAIMS, as well as guidance on the depth and content expectations.

Technical Support

If you encounter any technical difficulties completing or submitting your Full Application via the ECLAIMS IT system, please send an email to[email protected]

The technical support operating hours are Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm and it is your responsibility to ensure you seek and technical advice in sufficient time to complete and submit your Full Application before the published call closure date.

The Managing Authority reserves the right to reject applications which are incomplete or not submitted in a timely and compliant way.

Contact details

If you have any questions about the Call Specification or ESF Online Full Application Guidance, please contact [email protected]. This address should not be used to request technical support.

Published 3 September 2020
Last updated 2 October 2020 + show all updates

  1. Lump Sum Digital Interventions Call – OC00S20X1772 is now closed.

  2. Lump Sum Digital Interventions Call – OC00S20X1772 The ESF Managing Authority is aware of issues with the EClaims system today, 30 September 2020. This is affecting organisations wishing to submit applications for funds against the Digital Interventions Call Reference Number OC00S20X1772, closing date 23:59 on 30 September 2020. In recognition of the issues this is causing to potential applicants, the closing date for applications to be submitted to the EClaims system for this Call has been extended by 24 hours to 23:59 on 1 October 2020.

  3. Lump Sum Digital Interventions Call – OC00S20X1772 – Question and Answers – response to Question 1 has been amended.

  4. Lump Sum Digital Interventions Call (OC00S20X1772) has updated to include Questions & Answers.

  5. First published.

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