Social Investment Business Foundation

The Social Investment Business Foundation, originally launched as the Adventure Capital Fund in 2002 by social sector partners and UK Government backing, is one of the UK's oldest and largest social investors. It empowers charities and social enterprises through loans, grants, blended finance, and strategic support to build resilience, sustainability, and community impact. Rooted in values of data-led decisions, transparency, inclusion, and barrier reduction—especially for excluded groups—the Foundation manages major funds like Futurebuilders, Youth Investment Fund, Community Builders, and Thrive Together, while publishing open data and evidence to drive reflexive improvements and equitable allocation.

It prioritises community-based organisations delivering enterprise-led social good in areas like youth services, social care, community resilience, local economies, and inequality reduction, targeting disadvantaged beneficiaries such as young people and marginalised communities. Supported activities span capital projects, business development, capacity building, investment readiness, governance, and impact measurement, with a focus on scalable, sustainable initiatives over one-offs.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and social enterprises (England, Wales, Scotland focus, UK-wide for some), of any size with no income thresholds, but must prioritise social missions in deprived areas. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; referral from an Access Point (social investor network) is required, followed by a two-stage process: online EOI then full application with partner endorsement. Grants via Reach Fund range £1,000–£15,000 (avg. £5,000–£10,000) for readiness and strengthening; blended options up to £250,000 total. Rolling basis, no deadlines, with reviews in weeks via committees. Distinctive for pioneering blended finance, non-financial advice, and fostering a stronger social economy through partnerships and bias-mitigating practices.