Connecting Scotland has re-opened its Fast Track scheme.

Public and third sector groups and organisations can apply for support for up to 10 people they are working with (up to 100 for social housing providers).

Fast track applications are intended for organisations who can identify specific people they are currently working with who meet the eligibility criteria, and have capacity to deliver devices to them quickly this autumn and winter.

As during the summer fast track, applying organisations are committing to distribute devices and provide basic monitoring information within 14 days of receipt. This means organisations should already know who they plan to support prior to applying.

Organisations can apply for support for people that they work with that meet both the following criteria:

they are digitally excluded: they currently do not have access to an appropriate device and/or internet connection at home
they are from a low-income household: they cannot afford to buy a device or pay for internet access from their household income

Priority groups are older people (aged 60 years old and over), disabled people and single parents; however, applications will also be accepted for other groups where there is strong evidence of the impact of digital exclusion (including unemployed people, families, care leavers, homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers, amongst others).

Organisations who have previously received devices from Connecting Scotland may reapply, if they have submitted the required monitoring and evaluation data on who has received the devices.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 12^th November.

For further information, including how to apply, and all application guidance, please visit the Connecting Scotland website.