Introduction
Good Things Foundation is a UK-based charity working to reduce digital exclusion and ensure that everyone can participate in an increasingly digital society. Its work addresses the interconnected barriers of internet affordability, access to suitable devices, digital skills, online confidence, safety and access to trusted local support.
The organisation describes itself as the United Kingdom’s leading digital inclusion charity. It supports community organisations that help people access the internet, obtain devices and mobile data, develop essential digital skills and use online services safely and confidently.
Good Things Foundation operates as a registered charity in England and Wales and as a company limited by guarantee. Its charity registration number is 1165209, while its company registration number is 05887661. Unlike a commercial company, it has no share capital and is not owned by private shareholders.
Although its name contains the word “Foundation,” Good Things Foundation is not simply a traditional grantmaking or enterprise foundation established by a parent company. It is an operational charity that designs services, manages national programs, conducts applied research, influences policy and supports community-based Digital Inclusion Hubs. It may provide grants or grant-funded opportunities for selected community organisations and researchers, but external grantmaking is only one part of its wider work.
History and Background
Legal and organisational origins
The organisation’s legal entity was incorporated on 26 July 2006 as the Online Centres Foundation. Official financial records state that it began trading on 1 December 2011 and became a registered charity on 19 January 2016.
Its previous legal names were:
- Online Centres Foundation: July 2006 to June 2013
- Tinder Foundation: June 2013 to December 2016
- Good Things Foundation: From December 2016 onward
The organisation’s modern development is closely associated with its founder, Helen Milner OBE. Under her leadership, Good Things Foundation grew from an organisation supporting community learning centres into a major national digital inclusion charity with thousands of local partners.
Development of the community network
Good Things Foundation’s early work built on a network of local centres where people could receive informal help using computers and the internet. These organisations included libraries, charities, social enterprises, housing providers, community centres and other trusted local institutions.
The model recognised that people experiencing digital exclusion may also face poverty, unemployment, disability, poor health, language barriers, low educational confidence or social isolation. Community-based assistance can therefore be more accessible than formal classroom training.
Over time, this network developed into the National Digital Inclusion Network. The organisation moved beyond digital skills training to address three major forms of exclusion:
- Data poverty: Inability to afford sufficient mobile or internet connectivity
- Device poverty: Lack of access to a suitable smartphone, tablet or computer
- Skills and confidence barriers: Limited knowledge, motivation, trust or ability to use digital services safely
Expansion of services and partnerships
Good Things Foundation has expanded through partnerships with government departments, telecommunications providers, technology companies, charitable funders, local authorities and community organisations.
Its national infrastructure now includes free data, refurbished devices, digital learning platforms, community support, applied research and policy advocacy. The Foundation reported that its network had grown to more than 8,000 organisations by 2026.
The organisation also developed connections outside the United Kingdom. Good Things Foundation Australia was established in 2017, and the two organisations historically operated as a group while adapting digital inclusion work to their respective national contexts. Current communications describe the Australian charity as a sister organisation.
Leadership transition
Helen Milner announced her retirement after approximately 15 years of leadership. In March 2026, Vicki Sellick MBE formally became Chief Executive Officer of Good Things Foundation. Helen Milner accepted a new role as Patron, allowing her to maintain a connection with the organisation’s mission and future development.
Vicki Sellick brought experience in charity leadership, community empowerment and social innovation, including previous work with St John Ambulance and Nesta. Her appointment marked the beginning of Good Things Foundation’s 2026–2028 strategic period.
Mission and Purpose
Core mission
Good Things Foundation’s central purpose is to fix the digital divide and build a society where everyone can participate in the digital world.
The organisation focuses on people who cannot benefit fully from digital technologies because they lack one or more of the following:
- Affordable internet or mobile data
- A suitable digital device
- Essential digital skills
- Confidence using online services
- Knowledge of online safety
- Trusted and accessible local support
Understanding digital exclusion
Digital exclusion is not limited to whether a person has used the internet. Someone may have occasional internet access but still be unable to complete important tasks such as applying for employment, managing benefits, using online banking, accessing healthcare or recognising online scams.
Good Things Foundation therefore treats digital inclusion as a social, economic and public-service issue. Access to employment, healthcare, education, government services and financial systems increasingly depends on people being connected and confident online.
The 2026–2028 strategy
Good Things Foundation’s 2026–2028 strategy is built around the principle that digital inclusion should be “baked in, not bolted on.” This means access, skills and human support should be incorporated into the normal design and delivery of public, commercial and charitable services rather than added after excluded people encounter difficulties.
The strategy has three broad priorities.
Deliver digital inclusion at scale
Good Things Foundation intends to strengthen the National Digital Inclusion Network and make support available at the point where people need it.
This includes:
- Tackling data poverty through the National Databank
- Tackling device poverty through the National Device Bank
- Developing digital, media and artificial intelligence literacy
- Supporting trusted local Digital Inclusion Hubs
- Working with charities, local authorities, businesses and health services
Strengthen evidence about what works
The organisation conducts and commissions research to understand digital exclusion, identify effective interventions and develop better national indicators.
Its evidence-related work includes:
- The What Works? Co-Lab
- The Data Poverty Lab
- Digital Nation research
- Minimum Digital Living Standard research
- Digital inclusion impact measurement
- Research on artificial intelligence confidence and literacy
Create fairer digital systems
Good Things Foundation works with policymakers, academics, businesses and civil society organisations to influence how digital services and technologies are designed.
Its policy goals include:
- Treating internet access as an essential service
- Promoting inclusive digital-service design
- Strengthening responsible AI standards
- Protecting access to human assistance
- Improving digital inclusion policies and procurement
- Ensuring that technological change does not deepen existing inequalities
Governance and Structure
Legal status
Good Things Foundation is an active private company limited by guarantee without share capital. Its legal classification means it does not have conventional commercial shareholders who own portions of the organisation.
Its charitable objects include:
- Developing the skills and capacity of socially and economically disadvantaged communities
- Advancing public education in technology and digital skills
- Promoting social inclusion
- Improving access to online services
- Advancing responsible citizenship through digital participation
- Providing support, facilities and grants that improve digital capability
Ownership and membership
Good Things Foundation should not be described as an enterprise foundation owned by a technology company or telecommunications provider. Corporate organisations may fund programs or provide services, but they do not own the charity.
The organisation has historically operated as a staff-led mutual. Eligible employees can become company members and exercise voting rights, including participation in trustee elections and the Annual General Meeting. Members’ financial liability is normally limited to a nominal guarantee rather than an equity investment.
This governance model gives staff a formal role in organisational accountability while maintaining the legal duties of the Board of Trustees.
Board of Trustees
The Board provides advice, oversight and strategic direction. The board includes external trustees and three trustees elected by Good Things Foundation employees.
Liz Williams MBE serves as Group Chair. Her professional experience includes digital inclusion, social mobility, corporate policy and cross-sector partnerships.
Other trustees listed by the organisation include:
- Vinous Ali
- Thomas Beautyman
- Mary Booth
- Roy Clare CBE
- Nicola Wallace Dean
- Julie Hawker MBE
- Tom Hillsdon
- Jo Reynolds
- Conor Rose
- Juliet Upton
- Dan Zinkin
The board includes expertise in digital transformation, government, community learning, social enterprise, technology, research, data, finance and charitable governance.
Staff-elected trustees
Good Things Foundation’s three staff-elected trustees provide operational and employee perspectives at board level.
The current staff-elected trustees include professionals working in:
- Digital products and learning services
- Program delivery
- Research and evaluation
Their participation is a notable feature of the organisation’s governance structure because it allows staff experience to inform trustee discussions and strategic decisions.
Executive management
Vicki Sellick MBE has served as Chief Executive Officer since March 2026. The senior management structure also includes leadership for:
- Evidence and engagement
- Research, data and insights
- Communications and advocacy
- Finance and corporate services
- Digital inclusion delivery
- Product and network support
- Partnerships and income generation
Accountability and financial oversight
The trustees are also company directors for the purposes of UK company law. The organisation prepares annual reports and financial statements, which are subject to an independent external audit.
Good Things Foundation’s reporting to the Charity Commission was recorded as up to date for the financial year ending 30 June 2025.
For an intern, this structure illustrates how a national charity combines:
- Trustee governance
- Staff participation
- Executive management
- Legal compliance
- Financial controls
- Risk management
- Independent auditing
- Public-impact reporting
Funding and Grants
Main sources of funding
Good Things Foundation finances its work through a combination of:
- Government grants
- Government contracts
- Corporate partnerships
- Charitable trusts and foundations
- Program-specific grants
- Strategic partnerships
- Investment income
- Restricted and unrestricted project funding
The Foundation frequently works with telecommunications companies, technology organisations, government bodies and philanthropic funders to develop and deliver digital inclusion services.
Financial position for 2024–2025
For the financial year ending 30 June 2025, the Charity Commission reported:
- Total income: £8,115,379
- Total expenditure: £8,338,342
- Income from charitable activities: Approximately £7.99 million
- Investment income: Approximately £123,700
The reported income included:
- £240,650 from six government contracts
- £899,201 from seven government grants
The figures show that Good Things Foundation’s funding model is based primarily on delivering charitable programs and funded activities rather than holding a large endowment and distributing only the investment returns.
How funding is used
Funding received by Good Things Foundation can support:
- Free mobile data packages
- Refurbished phones, laptops and tablets
- Digital-skills learning platforms
- Training and resources for Digital Inclusion Hubs
- Community outreach
- Grants for local delivery organisations
- Research and evaluation
- Policy engagement
- Artificial intelligence literacy
- Staff, technology and administrative infrastructure
The organisation’s community delivery model means that national funding can be converted into local support through thousands of trusted organisations.
Grants for community organisations
Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network may receive access to grant opportunities alongside devices, data, learning resources, training and networking support. Availability depends on the program, funder, location and eligibility requirements.
Good Things Foundation has also explored grantmaking models designed to respond to the financial pressures experienced by community organisations. Such grants can help Digital Inclusion Hubs cover delivery expenses, staffing, outreach or project costs.
The organisation’s governing document expressly permits it to provide grants that help develop public digital and information-technology skills.
Research grants and fellowships
Good Things Foundation is not a conventional academic funder that regularly offers unrestricted basic research funding across scientific disciplines. Its research funding is usually applied, mission-specific and connected to digital exclusion.
One example is the Data Poverty Lab, developed with Nominet. The Lab has provided Fellowship grants for research, thought leadership, advocacy and policy development concerning affordable internet access and data poverty.
This means Good Things Foundation may support research grants or fellowships where the proposed work contributes directly to:
- Digital inclusion
- Data poverty
- Device access
- Digital skills
- Online safety
- Inclusive services
- Social and economic inequality
- Artificial intelligence literacy
It should not be presented as a source of general basic research funding for unrelated academic fields.
Difference from an enterprise foundation
An enterprise foundation is often established and financed by a commercial company to manage philanthropic activities separately from its core business.
Good Things Foundation is different because:
- It is an independent registered charity.
- It has no shareholders.
- It is not owned by a single corporation.
- It develops and operates its own national services.
- It works with multiple public, private and charitable partners.
- Its trustees are responsible for advancing its charitable purposes.
Corporate funding is therefore a partnership mechanism rather than evidence of corporate ownership.
Major Programs and Initiatives
National Digital Inclusion Network
The National Digital Inclusion Network is Good Things Foundation’s community delivery infrastructure. It consists of more than 8,000 organisations across the United Kingdom.
Network members are known as Digital Inclusion Hubs and may include:
- Libraries
- Community centres
- Charities
- Social enterprises
- Housing organisations
- Local support services
- Faith and cultural organisations
- Employment-support providers
The hubs provide safe and trusted places where people can receive free, personalised digital support. Membership also offers organisations access to training, peer learning, resources and selected grants.
National Databank
The National Databank operates like a food bank for mobile connectivity. It provides free SIM cards and mobile data packages for people who cannot afford or access the internet.
It was founded in 2021 by Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2. Data packages are distributed through participating Digital Inclusion Hubs and other approved locations.
The National Databank helps people complete essential activities such as:
- Applying for employment
- Accessing benefits
- Communicating with family
- Attending online appointments
- Managing education
- Using government services
- Obtaining emergency information
National Device Bank
The National Device Bank provides refurbished laptops, smartphones and tablets to people who lack a suitable device.
Public and private organisations can donate or repurpose decommissioned technology through Good Things Foundation’s device-reuse partnership. Devices are prepared for safe reuse and distributed through community organisations.
The program addresses digital exclusion and electronic waste simultaneously by extending the useful life of technology while improving access for disadvantaged households.
Learn My Way
Learn My Way is Good Things Foundation’s free digital-skills learning platform.
It is designed primarily for people with low or no digital skills and uses short, accessible learning modules. Topics include:
- Using a digital device
- Starting to use the internet
- Online safety
- Staying in touch
- Online shopping
- Employment and work
- Managing health online
- Online banking and money management
The platform is available in English and Welsh, uses plain language and includes text-to-speech functionality. Learners can work at their own pace with assistance from a Digital Champion or community worker.
AI Gateway
Good Things Foundation launched the AI Gateway to address the growing gap in artificial intelligence knowledge and confidence.
The platform provides accessible AI-literacy support for people who may already have limited digital skills. It covers practical use, trust, safety and awareness of AI-generated information.
The AI Gateway has become part of the Foundation’s broader strategy to ensure that rapid technological development does not increase inequality.
Data Poverty Lab
The Data Poverty Lab is a research and policy initiative developed to identify sustainable responses to unaffordable or insufficient internet access.
Its activities have included:
- Research fellowships
- Evidence reviews
- Policy recommendations
- Research involving lived experience
- Cross-sector discussions
- Analysis of local connectivity solutions
- Advocacy concerning affordable internet access
What Works? Co-Lab
The What Works? Co-Lab brings together research, community expertise and practical experience to improve digital inclusion delivery.
It considers issues such as:
- Basic digital skills
- Engagement and confidence
- Inclusive digital services
- Connectivity and devices
- Effective local support
- Measuring digital inclusion
Power Up 2.0
Power Up 2.0 supported people facing unemployment, financial hardship and digital exclusion through community-based training and personalised assistance.
Participants received support with:
- Digital skills
- Online safety
- Access to devices
- Employment preparation
- Benefits and financial management
- Confidence using digital services
Research and policy initiatives
Good Things Foundation produces and commissions evidence on the social and economic effects of digital exclusion.
Major research areas include:
- Digital skills
- Data and device poverty
- Healthcare access
- Poverty and financial exclusion
- Inclusive public services
- Artificial intelligence
- Economic participation
- Minimum standards for digital living
Research is used to guide program design, inform policymakers and strengthen the case for investing in digital inclusion.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Overall impact from 2023 to 2026
Good Things Foundation reported reaching approximately 1.7 million people over three years. It described this as the equivalent of helping one person become more digitally equal every minute.
During the same period, the organisation reported:
- More than 8,000 community hubs in its national network
- More than 400,000 free data connections
- More than 600,000 household members benefiting from connectivity
- More than 28,000 devices distributed
- More than 130,000 people supported with digital skills
Reported beneficiary outcomes
Good Things Foundation’s impact reporting found that:
- 82% of beneficiaries felt more digitally able.
- 74% felt safer online.
- 92% felt happier, healthier or financially better off.
These outcomes demonstrate that digital inclusion can affect more than technical ability. It can influence social connection, personal independence, employment, access to healthcare and financial security.
Power Up 2.0 outcomes
Power Up 2.0 reported that more than 90% of participants improved in areas such as digital skills, device access or online safety.
The reported outcomes included:
- 83% increased their digital skills.
- 78% gained online confidence.
- 77% felt safer using the internet.
- 70% of job-seeking participants applied for employment.
- 44% secured an interview or job offer.
- 67% reported improved financial circumstances.
- 57% accessed previously unclaimed benefits.
Bran’s digital-inclusion journey
One example highlighted in the 2026 Impact Review is Bran, who received support through BGfm community radio, a National Digital Inclusion Network Hub.
The organisation provided her with a laptop and data connectivity. This support helped her begin distance learning, obtain employment at the community radio station and become a presenter.
Her experience illustrates the Foundation’s combined approach of providing:
- A device
- Internet connectivity
- Local human support
- Learning opportunities
- A pathway toward employment
Irene and Linda’s experience
Irene and Linda received support from Riverside Learning and Education Centre. Before receiving assistance, they faced limited confidence, connectivity and social isolation.
Through local support, a device and mobile data, they developed digital skills, strengthened family connections and gained access to online learning and personal interests.
Benchill Community Centre
Benchill Community Centre used Learn My Way to support people who had little or no previous experience using computers.
One learner progressed from never having used a computer to independently browsing the internet and completing online learning. Another developed sufficient confidence and knowledge to pursue formal information-technology qualifications and support other learners as a volunteer.
Research supported through the Data Poverty Lab
The Data Poverty Lab has funded fellowship research examining community connectivity, internet affordability and potential solutions to data poverty.
This is an example of Good Things Foundation providing research grants in a tightly defined area connected to its charitable mission. The work is applied and policy-oriented rather than unrestricted basic research funding.
Economic value of digital inclusion
Research commissioned by Good Things Foundation has estimated that improving basic digital skills could generate significant economic benefits through employment, productivity, consumer savings, access to government services and reduced pressure on healthcare.
A 2022 economic study estimated a return of almost £10 for every £1 invested in digital inclusion interventions.
These findings support the Foundation’s argument that digital inclusion is both a philanthropic priority and an economic investment.
Conclusion
Good Things Foundation has developed from the Online Centres Foundation into a major UK charity addressing the digital divide through community partnerships, data connectivity, device distribution, education, research and public-policy engagement.
Its work recognises that meaningful digital inclusion requires more than providing internet access. People may also need an appropriate device, relevant skills, confidence, online-safety knowledge and trusted face-to-face assistance.
The organisation is independently governed as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. It does not have shareholder ownership and is not a corporate enterprise foundation, although businesses, government bodies and philanthropic institutions provide important financial and strategic support.
Its funding mechanisms include charitable grants, contracts, government support, corporate partnerships and program-specific funding. Some of these resources are passed to local Digital Inclusion Hubs or used for targeted research fellowships, but Good Things Foundation is not a general provider of unrestricted research grants or scientific basic research funding.
Its major programs include:
- National Digital Inclusion Network
- National Databank
- National Device Bank
- Learn My Way
- AI Gateway
- Data Poverty Lab
- What Works? Co-Lab
- Community employment and financial-inclusion initiatives
For an intern, Good Things Foundation provides a useful example of how a national nonprofit combines direct services, technology, community development, research and advocacy.
Potential areas of professional learning include:
- Program and project management
- Digital learning design
- Community-network development
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Research and data analysis
- Fundraising and partnership management
- Grant administration
- Communications and campaigns
- Public policy and advocacy
- Charity finance and governance
- Technology reuse and sustainability
- Digital inclusion service design
Good Things Foundation’s 2026–2028 strategy seeks to make digital inclusion a normal part of public services, business practices and community support. Its long-term purpose is to ensure that digital technology and artificial intelligence expand opportunities rather than deepen existing social and economic inequalities.
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