O2 today announced the launch of its Future Fund. The scheme will support ICT teams within local authorities by enabling them to bring to life ideas and projects where they believe technology innovation could drive positive change in surrounding communities or the ways in which its employees work. Successful local authorities applying for the scheme will be awarded access to a combination of O2 consultancy time, services and technology to help them turn their project ideas from a vision to a practical reality.

The Future Fund will formally open its doors for applications on 25 April 2012 and is comprised of three grant funding packages up to the value of £125,000, £75,000 and £50,000.

Neil Prior, head of local government for O2 commented, “Throughout our consultation we discovered a real passion to embrace technology and what it could deliver. This extended from chief executives to council members. ICT really does have the ability to transform local government, at O2 we want to ensure that in difficult times we step up and help to provide some of the expertise and technology that can help to drive that change and act as an example for others.”