Social enterprise
Launch of the Community Business Loan Fund
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has launched the Community Business Loan Fund (CBLF) to help potential and existing social entrepreneurs who are unable to access finance through normal mainstream channels. the £5 million fund offers financial support for the purpose of starting or expanding a community-based business. RBS expects to support in the region of 1,000 businesses through the scheme. Eligible businesses can apply for loans of between £30,000 and £500,000. Charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and community interest companies operating in the UK may apply. Applications may be submitted at any time.
(Source: Grantfinder Newsflash, 19/10/11)
Kellogg’s Swim Active Programme
The Kellogg's Swim Active Programme offers grants to not-for-profit organisations to help the development of innovative projects that encourage any aquatic activity which enhances motivation, removes barriers and increases participation in swimming. Applicants must be from a bona fide non-profit making organisation, which includes: swimming clubs, schools, pool operators, community organisations and social enterprises. Projects can be revenue based, capital based or a mix of both. The closing date for applications is 1 December 2011.
(Source: Grantfinder Update Bulletin, 19/10/11)
Big Issue invest
Big Issue Invest is a specialist provider of finance to social enterprises. The investment arm of The Big Issue, it is led by social entrepreneurs and staffed by social financiers. Big Issue Invest understands how to develop innovative finance – helping social enterprises to develop and expand their services to promote long-term social, environmental and financial inclusion in the UK. BII can invest from £50,000 to £1,000,000 per transaction and investments can be structured in a variety of ways – from conventional loans to equity and everything in between – whatever makes the most sense for the business. Big Issue Invest is operated as a social enterprise, with an asset lock and any dividends paid to The Big Issue. It is accredited as a Community Development Finance Institution and for Community Investment Tax Relief. For further information visit: www.biginvest.co.uk
Health and Social Care Grant Funding
The Welsh Assembly Government, HSSDG, is inviting bids from Third Sector organisations for three year grant funding to commence by 1 April 2012 and payable under:
- Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968; and
- Children and Families Organisational Grant (CFOG)
Grant applicants must be voluntary organisations operating in the social care and health care sector and must operate on an all-Wales basis. Bids are invited from all-Wales voluntary organisations in the social and health care sectors including physical and/or sensory disabilities, learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders, carers, mental health and older people, children in need, disabled children and child protection. A copy of the application forms and guidance notes, including contact details of the person(s) to whom enquiries can be made and completed application submitted, are available at: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/health/socialcare/?lang=en.
Clore Social Leadership Programme
The Clore Social Leadership Programme is now looking for its third cohort of Fellows, who will be recruited through an open application process. To be eligible, applicants must be working in or closely with the wider social sector and will have demonstrated leadership potential in some of the work they have already undertaken.
Each Fellow benefits from a personalised programme which provides challenging opportunities for development, and is tailored to meet their individual needs.
For more details about how to apply, and to find out more about the current Fellows, visit: www.cloresocialleadership.org.uk
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launches social investment fund
UK charities are among those eligible to apply for loans and investment from the world's largest philanthropic trust - The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Foundation has launched a $400m (£252m) social investment fund that will provide loan financing, underwriting and equity investments for not-for-profit organisations and businesses with a social purpose. The foundation, the world's largest philanthropic trust, said it wanted to maximise the effectiveness of its money in the light of a reduction in the value of equity markets, which is thought to have reduced the value of its endowment by about 20 per cent. The foundation will run a two to three year pilot, after which time it might expand the amount of money available for social investment.
(Source: Third Sector Online, 2/10/09)
Wales Co-op social enterprise support project
The Social Enterprise Support Project will help at least 150 existing organisations and aims to create more than 50 new social enterprises and 300 jobs as part of a five-year programme. The Project will offer packages of organisational development support using a range of procured suppliers. Support will be delivered through advice and guidance, mentoring and coaching, workshops and master classes. In addition, the new project will raise awareness of the contribution social enterprises and co-operatives make to social and economic regeneration. Assistance is available at any time.
Bridging a gap in the provision of traditional funding sources, this programme offers advice and financial assistance to rural businesses and communities across Wales. Support is targeted at businesses, social enterprises and community groups in villages and rural settlements. Owners of village stores that are the sole business in the community can receive one and a half days of specialist retail advice. Following the advisory stage, businesses can apply for a grant of up to £5,000 to help implement measures to make the business more sustainable. Assistance is also offered in situations where a community has already lost its shop. Grants of up to £10,000 will enable lost services to be reinstated. Applications may be submitted at any time.
(Source: Grantfinder Update Bulletin, 2 June 10)
