The Access Foundation donates more than £3m to help bridge the gap with the digital divide

Client: The Access Foundation

The Access Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of business management software, set up The Access Foundation, in 2021 after noticing a divide during the Covid-19 pandemic between those who had access to technology, internet and digital skills, and those who didn’t.

Since then, The Access Foundation has donated more than £3m to UK causes, and charities in Ireland, Malaysia, Australia and Romania, where The Access Group has a presence.

The Access Foundation’s objectives are orientated around three strategic pillars – Bridging the digital divide, Access Charities of the Year and Staff-sponsored charities.

The Foundation aims to foster inclusive communities, support digital literacy and support equal opportunities in the digital world.

Its grants have gone towards disadvantaged groups for IT workshops, training on devices and donating IT equipment. Young people have also received sponsorship for university courses and received laptops and tablets for schoolwork. The Access Foundation works closely with The Access Group to support employees, and in 2023 donated £261,000 to 30 charities nominated through a staff sponsor scheme - for organisations that have personally impacted employees or their families. Last year, UK staff also nominated Parkinson’s UK as The Access Group’s Charity of the Year raising almost £1 million.