Hosted at the prestigious Royal Armouries Museum, this flagship event serves as a rallying point for Leeds’ thriving digital community, bringing together industry leaders, innovators and advocates for a common cause. The event has already garnered significant success, having raised an impressive £160,000 in its previous editions, all dedicated to supporting local community organisations through The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund.
Despite the digital advancements in the UK, 7% of the population remains offline, with 9 million people struggling to access online resources independently. This digital exclusion contributes to societal disparities, affecting individuals’ and communities’ abilities to engage with services, impacting earning potential, employability, communication and overall connectivity.
The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund, established in 2022 by the Leeds Community Foundation, 100% Digital Leeds and Leeds Digital Ball, aims to tackle this issue head-on. The fund provides individuals and communities with essential skills, support and equipment to actively participate in the digital world, thereby putting an end to digital exclusion.
The impact of the 2022 Leeds Digital Ball is evident in the significant strides made by the five community organisations that received funding. A reported 288 lives in the city were positively influenced, showcasing the tangible outcomes of the event’s fundraising efforts.
“The funding from the Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund in 2022 meant we could employ a Digital Engagement Worker to support older people across Burmantofts to get online.”
Tom Armstrong, Project Manager at Burmantofts Community Friends
Cleveland Henry, Chair of Leeds Community Foundation, expressed gratitude for the fundraising efforts, which allowed them to double the number of funded Community Organisations in 2023. “It is a challenging time for communities which was demonstrated by the volume of applications we received. We are truly grateful to the fundraising efforts of Leeds Digital Ball,” he added.
Mike Quate, Chair of Leeds Digital Ball, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are proud to partner once again with Leeds Community Foundation and 100% Digital Leeds, to ensure the money raised makes the biggest possible impact and reaches those people in Leeds that need help around access to digital technologies.”
The 2024 Leeds Digital Ball aims to be even more impactful, fostering innovation and ensuring that everyone in the community has equal access to the opportunities the digital world offers. Interested in getting involved? View the Contact section below!
Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can learn more by contacting co-founder and board member, Sandra Patel ([email protected]).
The 2024 Leeds Digital Ball, scheduled for Thursday, May 9, promises to be a night of celebration, collaboration, and commitment to building a more inclusive and digitally connected community.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or general inquiries, please visit Leeds Digital Ball or contact founder and board member, Sandra Patel ([email protected]).
Press Contact: Dan Wilkinson ([email protected])