Reach Fund
What is the Reach Fund?
The Reach Fund helps charities and social enterprises prepare to raise social investment.
The programme offers grants of between £5,000 to £15,000 to help organisations carry out the work needed before an investor can make an investment decision. This might include developing business plans, financial forecasting, or strengthening governance.
Applications are made through an Access Point – approved social investors who can refer organisations to apply for grants.
Who is it for?
The Reach Fund is for charities and social enterprises in England that are close to raising social investment and need support to provide the final information an investor needs.
To apply, you must work with an Access Point – a social investor approved by the Reach Fund who can refer organisations to apply for funding.
Not sure if the Reach Fund is right for you?
You can contact the Reach team to discuss your eligibility or the application process. Use ‘Reach Enquiry’ as your email subject so we can respond promptly.
Am I eligible?
For full eligibility details, read the Application Guidance.
You are eligible if your charity or social enterprise:
- Is close to raising repayable finance for a specific purpose
- Has a social investor who has indicated there is information missing that is preventing them from making an investment offer
- Is looking to raise repayable financing in the next 6 –12 months (from the point of application)
- Has a specific investment goal, the Reach Fund is unlikely to be able to support with general capacity building
- Has a clear social mission
- Distributes less than 50% of post-tax profits and reinvests at least 51% of surpluses into pursuing its social mission
- Has a constitutional or contractual lock on its social mission, dividend and surplus distribution policy (also known as an asset lock)
- Organisations must also have good governance, and a minimum of 2 independent Directors; the funds cannot support sole traders.
What could I receive?
The fund offers:
£5k to £15k to help charities and social enterprises raise investment.
How do I apply?
For full details about the application process, download the Application Guidance.
- Speak to an Access Point
Start by contacting an Access Point to discuss your organisation and investment plans. - Receive the Reach Fund application form
If the Access Point agrees the Reach Fund could support you, they will share the application form. - Develop your investment readiness plan
You will work with the Access Point to identify the support needed to prepare for investment. - Submit the application
The Access Point reviews your application and may work with you to provide additional information before submitting it, along with their assessment. - Assessment and decision
Social Investment Business assesses the application and carries out checks.
Please note the application form is only available through an Access Point.
How does the fund work?
It is funded by Access – The Foundation for Social Investment and allows social investors to refer charities and social enterprises who require extra support to raise investment to the Reach Fund.
Case Studies
Read stories of organisations who have received Reach funding.
How to apply
- Speak to an Access Point
- Receive the Reach Fund application form
- Develop your investment readiness plan
- Submit the application
- Assessment and decision
Additional Information
Related Pages
Chat to us
Want to chat through the process or find out if this fund is right for you? We’re here to help. Get in touch:
- Contact Number: 020 3096 7900
- Contact Email: grants@sibgroup.org.uk