The Key Fund is a Social Enterprise which provides development and investment support to social businesses that create positive community, environmental or social impacts.
It offers accessible finance in the form of flexible loans and loan/grant packages to support the development of new and existing enterprising activity. Once finance is repaid it is re-loaned and re-invested back into the community.
The team works pro-actively across the North England and the Midlands, encouraging and helping to spread the culture of social enterprise.
There are various funding levels available:
Up to £150,000 – Blended finance (loans with up to 20% grant)
The Northern Impact Fund offers 20% of the value of the loan as grant. This unsecured lending is suited to new and early stage enterprises who are seeking finance to support growth or become more robust; typical investments are around £50,000.
Up to £150,000 – Flexible Finance Fund
For established community and social enterprises to complement the existing blended funds.
Up to £150,000 – Northern Impact Fund 2
Providing finance to support the development or growth of trading activity, including cash-flow.
Up to £150,000 – Regional Growth Fund
Funding to support the development and growth of economic activity and employment in disadvantaged areas or for disadvantaged groups, by investing in enterprises
Up to £150,000 – Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund (NCRF) with up to one third as a grant
Aimed at businesses that deliver social impact. The fund has been secured from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Up to £300,000 – Property Fund
Support for social enterprises over 1 year old looking to purchase or develop properties in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Up to £250,000 – Community Business Fund
Support for community businesses operating in the North and Midlands, looking to grow or develop trading activity.
Up to £150,000 – Energy Resilience Fund
Finance for community and social enterprises to retrofit energy-generating/saving technology on community-owned or managed buildings, initially focusing on stabilising or reducing energy costs. Up to 40% of the total is available as a grant, where this is justifiable to support cost stabilisation or reduction.
Up to £100,000 – More than a Pub Fund
Funding to support the development of community-owned pubs across England, that are incorporated ‘not for profit’ business with clear geography of benefit and be able to demonstrate local engagement in ownership or governance.
Loans are also available for community and social enterprises.
Arrangement fees and other fees may be payable. Security may also be required.
Community and social enterprises in the North & Midlands can apply.
Businesses should:
- Be, or plan to form, a legal company.
- Have a direct social aim.
- Have been turned down by other lenders.
The following sectors are eligible for funding:
- Creative.
- Health.
- Digital.
- Housing.
- Eco.
- Education and training.
Applicants must have clear social aims and objectives.
The fund can provide investment of between £5,000 and £300,000 to support:
- Start-up costs.
- Working capital to pay for staff or overheads.
- Growth and development.
- Contributing to the purchase and renovating of buildings.
- Building assets.
- Buying property.
- Energy efficiencies, such as solar panels.
Existing enterprises that need to adapt and shift focus or create a new service can be supported with cash-flow solutions or working capital.
Standalone loans are for community and social enterprises that are more established and looking to further develop and grow their organisation.
Applications can be made at any time.
Applicants must register to access the online application form.
