Knowledgebase

Community Interest Company (CIC) Hosting – Firstserv

At Firstserv, we’re proud to support Community Interest Companies (CICs) by providing free and discounted hosting, helping you focus on making a positive impact in your community.

What’s Available?

If your organisation is a registered CIC, you can choose from:

✔ Free Hosting Plan

• Our entry-level hosting plan is available free of charge
• Ideal for smaller websites or getting started online

✔ 50% Off Any Hosting Plan

• If you need more resources, you can receive 50% off any other Firstserv hosting plan
• Includes Business Hosting, Reseller Hosting, and VPS solutions

Note: Discounts apply to hosting services only and do not include optional licences or add-ons.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, your organisation must:

• Be a registered Community Interest Company (CIC)
• Provide a valid CIC registration number for verification
• Be set up by a director or authorised representative

This ensures we can confirm that the request is made by someone officially connected to the organisation.

How to Apply

Step 1: Place Your Order

• Visit the Firstserv hosting page and select your preferred plan
  • Choose the entry-level plan for free hosting
  • Or select a higher-tier plan for the 50% discount
• At checkout, choose Bank Transfer as the payment method (no payment will be taken at this stage)

Step 2: Submit a Support Request

Once your account is set up:

1. Log in to your Firstserv Client Area
2. Go to Support → Open Ticket
3. Include the following details:
   • Your order number
   • Your CIC registration number
   • A brief description of your organisation and its purpose

Step 3: Verification and Activation

• Our team will verify your CIC registration
• Once approved, we will:
  • Convert your plan to a free hosting account, or
  • Apply the 50% discount to your selected plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade later?

Yes. You can start on the free plan and upgrade at any time—your 50% CIC discount will still apply.

What if my CIC is not yet registered?

You will need to complete your registration before we can verify eligibility. If you’re in the process, feel free to contact us for guidance.

Does the discount apply to renewals?

Yes. As long as your organisation maintains its CIC status, the discount will continue on renewals.

Can I register a domain as well?

Yes. You can register a domain during signup or at any time afterwards. Domain registrations are charged at standard rates.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which hosting plan is right for your organisation or need assistance with the application process, the Firstserv support team is always happy to help.