Where to find funding for social enterprises (in the UK)

If you’ve ever read or heard me talk about starting a new social enterprise or looking for financial support, you’ll know that I don’t necessarily believe you should jump straight to grant funding as a long-term plan. I certainly think there is a time and place for seeking funding via grants or crowdfunding, don’t get me wrong. But to truly build a sustainable, secure social enterprise, I believe you need to have a trading income or profit.

For more background on my thoughts on this, check out these two posts:

In this post, I share what I recommend to my clients instead of grant funding or crowdfunding when they are just starting out or are looking for some support or investment within the UK.

This list is not exhaustive, but it will give you an idea of where to start.

Contact your local / regional voluntary services council (in Wales there is one for each county)
See if you have a local body or organisation responsible for social enterprise (or small business) support
Look up your local Community Foundation
- In England: UK Community Foundations
- in Wales: Community Foundation Wales
- In Scotland: Foundation Scotland
- In Northern Ireland: The Community Foundation Northern Ireland
Check out social enterprise focused funders such as SSE or UnLtd
Have a look at (and sign up to) Access - The Foundation for Social Investment and the specific Enterprise Development Programme focussed supporting organisations in the areas of mental health, Black & Minority Communities, Environment, Equality, Homelessness and Youth.
In Wales, look into:
In Scotland, look into Social Enterprise Scotland
In Northern Ireland, look into Social Enterprise NI
Do a quick search or contact your local council; chamber of commerce, or LEP

I really recommend joining the mailing lists of relevant organisations, so you receive up to date information about grants and awards when they are available.

If you are located in Wales I recommend you signing up to the WCVA's newsletter for this purpose, and depending on the type of organisation you are you may also benefit from joining NCVOs newsletter (in England) although this is more focused on the voluntary & charity sector.

SEUK is a great organisation to become a member of or join their mailing list.

There are so many more options to secure funding for your social enterprise within the UK. Don’t forget to broaden your horizons when it comes time for you to receive financial support.