VENTURESOME BLOG

Critical lessons for charity trustees

We thought this blog post from our colleague Beth Clarke, Programme Manger CAF Resilience worth sharing on our Venturesome blog. She’s also a trustee of charity that is currently closing down. Read her honest account about this experience and the lessons that she has for other charity trustees and boards.

Social enterprises are a big deal

Social enterprises employ 2m people in this country (that’s more than the creative industries!) – and contribute 3% of GDP.  These findings – from an important piece of research published last week by Social Enterprise UK, the Co-op Group and Nationwide Building Society – make clear that previous government estimates of the economic contribution made by social enterprises have been woeful under-estimates.

CAF's New Fundraising Guide

As an impact-focused social investor we make sure we give social enterprises and charities practical advice and support with governance and financial systems. We help management and trustees to put in place robust financial measures that will not only ensure that they are able to re-pay their loan but, more importantly, generate income to grow their social impact.

This is why we are delighted to share the news with you that CAF have just launched a new Fundraising Guide.

Welcome to our new Investment Manager

Anne-Helene Sinha has recently joined the CAF Venturesome team as Investment Manager responsible for the management of the CLT II fund. We find out what inspires Anne-Helene and her plans for the role.

Case Study: Thera Charity Bond

Our team visited a home for people with learning disabilities, who live in Essex, supported by a team of carers employed by Thera Trust. CAF Venturesome has invested £400,000 in a £5 million charity bond for Thera Trust, arranged by Triodos Bank, the pioneer in sustainable banking. £4 million of this charitable bond will be to buy 15 new properties to give homes for a further 25 disabled people over the next five years.