Open Call for Social Investment Gateway Programme (UK)

Deadline: 06-Nov-2026

The Social Investment Gateway Programme offers a free 12-month support and grant programme for charities, social enterprises, and community organisations in England seeking to become investment ready. Led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs and supported by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, the programme helps organisations strengthen their trading models, grow trading activity, improve organisational resilience, and build confidence in applying for and managing social investment.

About the Social Investment Gateway Programme

The Social Investment Gateway Programme is designed for charities, social enterprises, and community organisations that are considering social investment but need additional guidance and resources to prepare. The programme provides practical support alongside financial assistance to help organisations develop their trading activity and move closer to investment readiness. Participants receive support over 12 months to strengthen their organisations and prepare for potential social investment. How Much Funding Is Available? There are two types of grants available through the programme:

- Match Trading™ grant: Up to £18,000, drawn down as trading increases over 12 months.

- Repayable grant: Up to £24,000, with the average grant around £22,000.

The grants are intended to help organisations invest in and grow their trading activity. Match Trading™ Grant The Match Trading™ grant provides up to £18,000. The grant is drawn down as the organisation’s trading increases over the 12-month programme. This approach provides flexible funding linked to growth in trading activity and is designed to help organisations develop their trading models. Repayable Grant The repayable grant provides up to £24,000, with the average grant being around £22,000. Recipients keep 25% of the grant and repay 75% over a period of two to three years. The funding can be used flexibly to help organisations invest in and grow their trading activity. What Does the Programme Support? The programme combines financial support with practical development assistance. It aims to help participating organisations: - Grow their trading activity. - Strengthen their trading models. - Improve organisational resilience. - Develop their investment readiness. - Build confidence in applying for social investment. - Build confidence in managing social investment. - Invest in activities that support organisational growth. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for organisations based in England.

Eligible types of organisations include:

- Charities. - Social enterprises. - Community organisations. Applicants should be considering social investment and seeking support to become more investment ready. Income and Trading Requirements The programme is designed for organisations with an annual income above £100,000 and an active trading model. Organisations that do not fully meet the typical income level may also be considered where they have a strong trading proposition. Applicants should therefore demonstrate that they have an existing trading model or a strong proposition for developing trading activity. Investment Readiness A central purpose of the programme is to help organisations become ready for social investment. Participants receive guidance and resources to strengthen their trading models and develop the confidence needed to consider social investment. The programme is particularly relevant to organisations that have the potential to grow their trading activity but need additional support before seeking investment. Support Over 12 Months The programme provides support for 12 months. During this period, participants can access practical assistance designed to help them develop their trading activity and strengthen their organisations. The long-term support structure allows organisations to work on their trading and investment readiness over an extended period. Growing Trading Activity The programme places a strong emphasis on trading activity. Funding can help organisations invest in activities that support growth, while the wider programme provides practical assistance to strengthen their trading models. The objective is to help organisations develop more sustainable trading activity and move closer to investment readiness. Building Organisational Resilience The programme also helps participating organisations strengthen their organisational resilience. By improving trading activity, developing organisational capacity, and building confidence around social investment, organisations can become better prepared to manage future opportunities. Support for Social Investment Social investment can provide organisations with access to capital to support their development and growth. The Social Investment Gateway Programme helps organisations understand and prepare for this type of investment by providing practical guidance and resources.

Participants can build confidence in both applying for and managing social investment

Flexible Use of Grants Both grant types are intended to support investment in and growth of trading activity. The funding can be used flexibly to support organisational development and activities that help strengthen trading. This allows participating organisations to use the available support according to their development needs. Programme Leadership and Support The Social Investment Gateway Programme is led by the School for Social Entrepreneurs and supported by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment. Together, the programme partners provide practical support designed to help organisations strengthen their trading models and prepare for social investment. Strong Trading Propositions The programme is not limited solely to organisations that meet the typical annual income threshold. Organisations with an annual income below £100,000 may also be considered where they can demonstrate a strong trading proposition. This provides an opportunity for organisations wit