Creating lasting impact through social investment

Oaks Rise: enabling growth and expansion

“CAF’s support came at a pivotal moment. They didn’t just provide funding – they understood our mission and gave us the tools to grow with integrity.” Georgia and Lauren, Oaks Rise

Founded by mothers of autistic children, Oaks Rise CIC provides a neuro-affirming alternative education and learning environment in East Sussex. When unsuitable premises and limited working capital threatened growth, CAF provided a blended social investment package combining an unsecured loan, grant funding and advisory support. The investment helped Oaks Rise secure a new facility, expand its team and increase the support it provides to children and families.

Impact

Secured a long-term lease on a larger facility and expanded services through new staff recruitment.

Rambert: managing cashflow and building resilience

Britain’s oldest dance company, Rambert turned to CAF during a challenging post-pandemic period. Rising costs, reduced income and delays to Theatre Tax Relief payments created significant cashflow pressures. CAF provided an unsecured bridging loan, enabling the organisation to maintain planned activity, recruit key talent and rebuild its financial resilience while income recovered. Further social investments have since been made to enable Rambert to operate with greater stability and build its long-term financial resilience.

Impact

Maintained planned activity during a period of financial uncertainty. Increased income by 116% and completed an additional tour reaching an audience of 104,000 people.

Upshot: supporting innovation and long-term scale

“The combination of social investment, a development grant and the flexibility of a repayment holiday gave us the breathing space to build a sustainable organisation without compromising our mission.” Preeti Shetty, CEO, Upshot

Originally developed by the Football Foundation, Upshot was preparing to become an independent social enterprise in 2021. CAF provided an unsecured social investment loan and helped secure grant funding to support the transition. The investment enabled Upshot to establish itself as an independent CIC, expand its services and build a sustainable platform for future growth.

Impact

Established itself as an independent CIC, repaid the loan in full and Upshot now supports more than 1,800 non-profit, sport and community organisations across 30+ countries.