FAQs

• What is Communitybuilders - is it a new Fund?
• Why are you looking for six flagship investees?
• If I’m not successful in my application this time, when will Communitybuilders be making more funding available?
• How does Communitybuilders define a neighbourhood?
• What is a multi-purpose organisation?
• How can I find out more information about previous investments the Communitybuilders Fund has made?

Up until 1 April 2011 the Adventure Capital Fund managed the Communitybuilders Fund in partnership with The Social Investment Business and Community Alliance (made up of the Development Trusts Association and bassac - now merged to become Locality) and Community Matters, on behalf of the DCLG and the Office for Civil Society.   

As of March 2011 the DCLG endowed the remaining Communitybuilders funds to the ACF who now own and administer the Communitybuilders Fund. It is a “restricted fund” meaning that it can only be used to make investments that are in line with the original objectives of Communitybuilders. So Communitybuilders will still be used to make investments to civil society organisations who want to take on asset transfer projects, build new community centres and create multi-purpose community hubs. Under ACF’s ownership the Fund will also continue to support community organisations to develop business activities that help them generate new sources of income.

To start this new era of Communitybuilders we are looking to invest in up to six of the most promising examples of sustainable, community regeneration projects who will become flagship investees for the new era of the Fund. 

We will continue our practice of acting as an engaged investor, maintaining a strong and supportive relationship with community organisations from the time we see a promising application, through the investment process and beyond. 

By applying robust criteria and assessment process we will ensure investments are made in sustainable organisations who are well placed to repay their loans - guaranteeing that we generate returns that can be recycled into the sector. 

We know that limiting the number of investments we make from all the applications we hope to receive before 9 December make it a more competitive process -  but we want to make sure that the Communitybuilders funds are used to support the very best, most sustainable projects that will deliver the maximum social impact for every pound invested.

We know that this initial funding round is slightly different from how Communitybuilders has operated in the past – by being focused on main investment product and offering specific types of funding.  

There will be further opportunities for community organisations to access Communitybuilders funding next year, including different financial products such as feasibility grants for organisations looking to develop their enterprise plans. 

And we will be monitoring the process carefully and our learning from this first funding round will definitely inform what Communitybuilders offers in the future.

Communitybuilders is only available for organisations operating for the benefit of a defined neighbourhood in England whose beneficiaries live in England.

A neighbourhood is a geographical area that local people identify with, where they can come together easily and frequently to associate and participate, build relationships and stronger social capital and active communities. So a city or a large town is too wide. In rural areas it’s the smallest area that has critical population mass. An organisation with an area of benefit that is national, regional or across a county or local authority will generally not be eligible for Communitybuilders funding.

Organisations should provide or host at least three different activities and services, broadly in the areas of:

• social welfare
• education
• recreation (including culture and sport)
• environmental activity
• economic or vocational services
• voice and advocacy services
• trading for social purpose

You can view details of the investments Communitybuilders has made in the past on our Communitybuilders investees page.