The internet and other digital technologies are powerful tools for charities and community groups, both for raising awareness and funds and helping to connect, support and inspire people. But setting up a successful online project requires money, equipment, expertise and more. That's where the AOL Innovation in the Community Awards can play an important role.

The catalyst for the awards scheme was a request from a children's homework club to fund the purchase of a toaster so that pupils could enjoy breakfast while they worked at their computers. That got us thinking. How could we help voluntary organisations to make the most of the internet regardless of whether they needed support to fund PCs, hardware, software, or a new toaster?

So, in 2003, AOL and Citizens Online teamed up to help UK charities and community groups harness the power of the Web. Since then, 120 projects have benefitted from AOL Innovation in the Community Awards of £2,000 each, plus a year's free AOL subscription.

The winning projects certainly foster digital inclusion, with many helping users to dip their toes in the internet waters for the first time. As a trusted partner, voluntary organisations are providing access points to those who don't have a computer at home and helping make the internet useful and intriguing to those who are sceptical or need easing into the digital world.

Outside of providing internet access, many groups have recognised the power of the internet for giving much-needed support. From chat rooms on health issues to online neighbourhood watch schemes, email bereavement counselling to Web-based support networks for carers, broadband, mobile and other digital technologies are helping to provide essential lifelines.

You can find the names of all 120 award recipients at Roll of Honour and, in the Case Studies section, six winners talk about their projects in more detail. To celebrate four years of the awards scheme, we have also produced a booklet that you can download in PDF format.

We hope the award recipients inspire you in the same way they inspired us.