Worshipful Company of Information Technologists Charity

The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists Charity (WCIT Charity), established in 1987 as the charitable arm of the City of London’s 100th livery company, harnesses technology for public good across the UK. Its core mission centres on advancing digital inclusion, IT education, and enhanced charitable outcomes through ‘impact through tech’, guided by values of fellowship, honesty, integrity, and charity. Distinctively, WCIT blends financial grants with pro bono IT mentorship and support from senior tech professionals, enabling nonprofits to access expertise beyond their budgets.

WCIT prioritises innovative IT-driven projects tackling digital divides, including skills training for disadvantaged groups like children, youth, homeless individuals, people with disabilities, and those in prisons; mental health apps; accessibility tools; and sector-wide digital transformation. It supports education, rehabilitation, youth empowerment, and AI/machine learning initiatives (e.g., funding Code4000’s prison coding, Autistica’s anxiety app, Lifelites’ hospice tech, and AI4C programme), favouring measurable, systemic improvements via cross-sector collaboration.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, CICs, and academic institutions operating UK-wide, with preference for small- to medium-sized organisations reliant on external funding that integrate IT into strategic priorities. Typical grants range from £5,000–£15,000 (up to £50,000 exceptionally); applications via online form with supporting documents and referees (for >£5,000) are accepted anytime but reviewed quarterly, next deadline 5pm 6 February 2026 (decisions mid-March). Exclusions cover core costs, hardware/software purchases, consultancy, endowments, and debt. WCIT stands out for its ~3% success rate, dual grants-expertise model, and commitment to enduring tech-led social impact.