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Venturesome team

CAF

Charities Aid Foundation

GET READY FOR SOCIAL INVESTMENT

16 June 2017

CAF VENTURESOME IS NOW A REACH FUND 'ACCESS POINT' FOR INVESTMENT READINESS GRANTS

We often discuss what being ‘investment ready’ actually means to us as a social investment lender, and also to the charities and social enterprises seeking finance. It is likely that in order to implement some of the requirements we highlighted as important may require additional support or even increasing or up-skilling the internal capacity and capabilities of a charity or social enterprise. With that in mind we are delighted to be part of the Access Reach Fund programme as one of the first ‘Access Points’.

Reach-Fund

The Reach Fund is a two year, £4m investment readiness grant programme, funded by the Access – The Foundation for Social Investment and managed by Social Investment Business. It will test a new model of investment readiness support to help charities and social enterprises raise investment. This fund is investor led, which means that organisations apply through Access Points, who will be offering guidance and advice along the application process.

WHAT DOES THE REACH FUND OFFER?

The Reach Fund will offer small grants (an average of £15k) to charities and social enterprises that are looking to raise investment with one of the approved social investors (Access Points) of which Venturesome is one. The grant will hopefully be used to help you close a deal or secure an investment from us.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

The starting point is a desire to take on social investment for your organisation in the near future.

NEXT STEPS

You can contact us in the normal way to discuss your investment needs either over the phone or using our website. If we feel you need further support then we can refer you directly to the Reach Fund. A member of our Investment team will work with you to identify your needs, develop an investment readiness plan, and apply for a grant.  If successful Venturesome can, if required, suggest appropriate external providers to support you to become ‘investment ready,’ and get the process of strengthening your organisation underway. 

Want to know more?

Talk to our team on 03000 123 300 or email us at venturesome@cafonline.org and we’ll be happy to help.