Digital Inclusion Fund is open again

Hospitals, nursing homes, children’s homes and individuals can apply

Smartphones, tablets and laptops are all devices that are now indispensable for staying in touch, learning or even finding a job or working. However, disadvantaged people often do not have access to the IT device and software needed due to financial difficulties. The Digital Inclusion Fund was established by the Hungarian Red Cross and Yettel to help address this issue. Applications to the Fund will be accepted until 30 June 2023.

The Fund was established with the professional support of the Hungarian Red Cross and a HUF 50 million donation from Yettel in 2021 to provide modern IT devices to vulnerable people and institutions and support their digital inclusion.

So far, the participants of the program have used 32% of the three-year budget. So, a total of around HUF 34 million will be available this year and next year for buying digital devices including feature phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops and software. Under the initiative, Yettel provides the funds, while the type of device to be purchased is decided based on the needs by a team of experts from the Hungarian Red Cross.

Applications are open to vulnerable people, in particular pupils, the elderly, large families, people in need of care, children of single-parent families and people in social and child welfare institutions. Up to 10% of the Fund’s annual budget is available to healthcare, social and child welfare institutions (hospitals, nursing homes, family transition homes and children’s homes) and the residents of these institutions.  

By purchasing digital devices and/or software enabling online communication, learning and information gathering, the humanitarian organisation’s main objective is to support socially disadvantaged people and reduce loneliness and inequality. The funding opportunity supports the Hungarian Red Cross’ efforts to reduce the number of people living in involuntary digital isolation.

Deadline for submitting applications: 30 June 2023

To ensure the sustainable long-term operation of the program, the founders have opened up the possibility for other companies, organisations and private individuals to support the Fund. For more information and details on how to apply please visit https://voroskereszt.hu/digitalis-felzarkoztatasi-alap/

Yettel has been a telecommunications and strategic partner to the Hungarian Red Cross for ten years. In recognition of its ongoing efforts to help people in need, the humanitarian organisation presented the mobile operator with its “Supporter of the Year” award in May 2023.