Report for Digital Futures just launched indicates that the voluntary and community sector could benefit from a digital hub
The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is proud to announce the launch of Digital Futures, a landmark report funded by Dormant Accounts NI, which outlines a bold vision for a new digital hub designed to support the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in navigating and thriving in an increasingly digital world.u202fxa0xa0
The launch event took place today at Catalyst – The Innovation Centre Belfast.
The Digital Futures report is the result of a three-year process of engagement, research, and planning. The findings highlight urgent challenges facing the VCSE sector — from gaps in digital skills and access to devices, to structural funding barriers — while laying out a roadmap for a scalable, inclusive digital support hub.
Developed in collaboration with stakeholders across the Public, Private, Academic and VCSE sectors, Digital Futures delivers key insights and strategic recommendations aimed at empowering VCSE organisations with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to embrace digital transformation.
The report highlights how a dedicated digital hub can help unlock opportunities, improve service delivery, and strengthen community resilience across Northern Ireland.u202f
Speaking following attending the launch of the report, Finance Minister John O’Dowd said: “I welcome the launch of the Digital Futures report. Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises are at the core of our communities, doing incredible work to improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable people. Equipping them with the right digital skills and support to enhance the valuable services they provide, particularly in improving the health and well-being of people can only be welcomed.xa0xa0
“Today’s launch was made possible through a strategic development grant from Dormant Assets, delivered through The National Lottery Community Fund – an initiative that champions collaboration and innovation for sustainability. This project is a powerful example of that vision in action.xa0xa0
“I would like to thank The Community Foundation and all the partners who collaborated on this important work, and for producing a report that clearly outlines the digital requirements the sector needs to grow and thrive.”
Roisin Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation, said:u202fxa0“The Digital Futures report isn’t just a reflection of where we are – it’s a clear and actionable roadmap for where we need to go.
“It sets out how we can build and deliver a dedicated digital hub that is tailored to the unique needs of our VCSE sector — one that is grounded in evidence, shaped by the sector, and designed for long-term impact.
“We see this hub as a catalyst for collaboration, learning, and innovation across Northern Ireland — and we’re calling on funders, policymakers, and partners to help us bring it to life.”u202fxa0
Dr. Adrian Johnston, Chair of the Community Foundation and Innovation Commissioner at Innovation City Belfast, added:u202fxa0“Digital transformation isn’t just a technical shift — it’s a cultural one. The creation of a digital hub will not only strengthen digital skills across the VCSE sector but also build lasting connections between communities, funders, and innovators.
“Crucially, it presents an exciting opportunity to partner with the private and public sector — enabling knowledge exchange, skill-sharing, and collaborative innovation between businesses, government, and community organisations.
“This aligns directly with local and regional digital strategies, including Innovation City Belfast’s ambitions to drive inclusive digital growth. By embedding the hub within these wider strategic frameworks, we can ensure the VCSE sector is not only supported but seen as a core contributor to Northern Ireland’s digital future.”u202fxa0xa0xa0
Kate Beggs, Director at The National Lottery Community Fundxa0said: “The Dormant Assets NI programme seeks to strengthen capacity, encourage collaboration, and create a more secure future for organisations which work in the heart of our communities.xa0 xa0
“The Digital Futures scoping report is a significant milestone in the development of a more sustainable and resilient VCSE sector, representing a practical, evidence-based response to urgent needs.
“A dedicated Digital Hub, supported by cross-sectoral partners, has the potential to be transformational by building digital skills, enabling collaboration, and creating a more adaptable and innovative sector, better equipped to serve communities now and in the future.”xa0
The event will bring together sector leaders, technologists, funders, and community advocates to explore the findings of the report and engage in a collaborative discussion about shaping the next phase of the sector’s digital journey.u202f
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More about Digital Futures.
The Digital Futures report and scoping exercise was funded through money from Dormant Assets, UK bank and building society accounts and other assets such as insurance and pensions that have been untouched for 15 or more years, where customers cannot be traced.
The Reclaim Fund releases funds from Dormant Assets to The National Lottery Community Fund for distribution to good causes across the UK.
Through policy direction from the Department of Finance, in Northern Ireland, this money supports the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to build capacity and become more sustainable.
The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is an independent, grant making trust, inspiring generosity, and achieving impact across Northern Ireland.
Over the past five years we have awarded £52 million in funding to groups and organisations across the region, making contributions to education, health, housing, the arts, social justice, employment, environmental projects and peace and reconciliation, impacting over 3,988 projects.u202fxa0
