Apply now for Social Investment Fund (United Kingdom)

City Bridge Foundation offers a Social Investment Fund for London that provides accessible, flexible, and long-term repayable finance to support organisations delivering social change across Greater London. The fund totals £22 million and accepts enquiries and applications on a rolling basis (apply at any time). This is not a grant programme and does not fund start-ups or pilots. The Social Investment Fund for London is designed to help London social entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and impact-driven businesses access repayable finance to tackle injustice and inequality—especially in communities affected by systemic and structural barriers. City Bridge Foundation uses social investment as a complement to its grant-making and aligns with its Standing with Londoners funding policy, focused on climate and environmental justice, access to justice, racial justice, and economic justice. The fund explicitly states it is not a grant programme and does not provide start-up or pilot funding. This opportunity provides repayable finance structured to balance:

Supported investment options include:

The source notes:

City Bridge Foundation states it invests directly into social purpose organisations and indirectly via impact funds aligned with its aims. To be eligible for social investment, organisations must: Non-charitable organisations may be considered where: City Bridge Foundation states it does not invest in: It also advises that it cannot progress enquiries where alignment with its justice priorities is weak, indirect, or incidental. The funder particularly welcomes enquiries from organisations led by communities historically marginalised from accessing capital, including: All social investments must clearly and demonstrably align with City Bridge Foundation’s Standing with Londoners funding policy. Investments are expected to further at least one of these four justice priorities: Meeting these criteria is described as necessary but not sufficient to secure investment. Decisions are at the sole discretion of City Bridge Foundation and may be subject to conditions. City Bridge Foundation states it can fund activities that support growth, resilience, or asset development, including: The fund states it does not provide social investment for: This fund is designed for organisations that already have trading history and income, and that need repayable finance to scale impact, improve resilience, or develop assets in London. Because City Bridge Foundation requires alignment with specific justice priorities and expects both social and financial returns, applicants must present investment readiness—including a viable business model and a credible repayment plan—rather than relying on grant funding alone. The source indicates applications are currently open and the programme has a rolling process (“apply at any time”). It also distinguishes between enquiries for social investment and grant funding. Follow the steps below based on the information provided: Confirm your organisation fits the core eligibility conditions (e.g., trading history, London benefit, income generation, repayment readiness) and aligns with at least one of the justice priorities. City Bridge Foundation recommends booking an initial 20-minute call. An automatic confirmation is provided after booking. Link: “Book a call” (link text provided on the page; exact URL not specified in the source excerpt). You can email Nkechi Adeboye, Social Investment Analyst and Relationship Manager: [contact details removed]. The funder notes it is unable to assess proposals or provide funding decisions via email alone. Call 020 7332 3710, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. The City of London Corporation contact centre will pass your message on. The supplied article text does not include a dedicated application form URL or document submission instructions. If you need the exact submission steps, you should follow the “Book a call” route and/or the official guidance on the funder’s website. Is the City Bridge Foundation Social Investment Fund for London a grant programme? No. The fund is not a grant programme and provides repayable finance. Where can projects or activities take place? The fund is focused on Greater London and expects demonstrable London benefit. What is the deadline to apply? The source states “Rolling — apply at any time.” No specific closing date is provided. What types of funding are available? The fund offers different social investment options, including debt arrangements (e.g., loans) and equity-type arrangements (investment for a stake). Does the fund support start-ups or pilots? No. The fund states it does not provide start-up or pilot funding. What eligibility requirements must we meet before applying? Applicants are expected to have at least one year of operating/trading history, be generating income, demonstrate measurable public benefit, have a viable repayment plan, pay at least the London Living Wage, and engage in impact reporting. Do they require personal guarantees? The source states that no personal guarantees are required (for the investment terms described). If your organisation operates in Greater London and can demonstrate strong alignment with at least one of City Bridge Foundation’s justice priorities—along with trading history, measurable public benefit, and a credible repayment approach—review the fund criteria and follow the official enquiry process on the City Bridge Foundation website (including booking the recommended initial call). For the most accurate application instructions and any updated submission steps, consult the official Social Investment Fund for London guidance directly.