Who can apply

We want to ensure that Communitybuilders funds are invested in the best possible projects to have the greatest possible social impact. We are seeking to invest in high quality organisations with strong governance and management, who are seeking to become financially independent and who can demonstrate they are having a significant positive impact in their communities.

Successful applicants will be strong matches for our robust eligibility criteria. We have been looking for 6 of the best, most promising examples of sustainable, community regeneration projects in England to be pioneer investees of the new era of the Communitybuilders Fund.

What Communitybuilders will fund:

• independent and community led organisation which are not controlled by the private or public sector
• organisations operating for the benefit of a defined neighbourhood in England
• locally controlled organisations with local people or local representatives making priority decisions
• multipurpose organisations providing or hosting a number of different activities
• organisations unable to secure funding from a commercial funder or unable to fund the proposal from unrestricted reserves
• proposals to help organisations  work towards long term financial sustainability
• organisations with a sensible business and financial plan that is well developed and tested and is achievable
• organisations with proposals for which funds can be drawn down and spent within 12 months of approval, for the long term benefit of the organisation

What Communitybuilders will not fund:

• individuals and sole traders
• organisations that distribute profits for private benefit
• statutory organisations such as schools or local authorities
• start-ups
• organisations that are applying on behalf of other organisations
• organisations that are in poor financial health
• organisations that have not satisfactorily managed investments from either ACF or the Social Investment Business in the past